Solar PV Analysis of Schwechat, Austria
The location at Schwechat, Lower Austria, Austria is moderately suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. The output of electricity from a solar PV system depends on the amount of sunlight it receives, which varies by season.
In summer, this location can generate a significant 6.42 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This high output makes summer an ideal time to generate solar energy here due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
During autumn, the daily output drops to 2.87 kWh/day per kW installed due to shorter days and less intense sunlight as compared with summer.
Winter sees even lower production levels at just 1.29 kWh/day per kW installed because of short daylight hours and often overcast skies that limit the amount of available sunlight.
Springtime offers improved conditions with an average production rate of 4.55 kWh/day per kW installed as daylight hours increase again after winter.
For optimal performance throughout the year in Schwechat, Lower Austria, it's recommended that fixed panel installations be tilted at an angle facing southward by approximately 40 degrees from horizontal level. This will maximize exposure to sunlight over different seasons thereby increasing total annual energy production from solar PV panels.
However, local factors such as weather patterns could potentially affect solar power generation in this area:
- Austria experiences considerable cloud cover during certain periods which may reduce sun exposure.
- Snowfall during winter may cover panels reducing their effectiveness unless cleared regularly.
- Dust or dirt accumulation on panels can also decrease their efficiency if not cleaned periodically.
To mitigate these issues:
- Regular maintenance checks should be conducted on the panels ensuring they are clean and free from any obstructions like snow or dust.
- If possible, automatic tracking systems could be considered that adjust panel angles according to seasonal changes optimizing sun exposure all year round although these are typically more expensive than fixed installations.
In conclusion, while Schwechat isn't the most ideal location for solar energy production due to seasonal variations and weather factors, with proper installation and maintenance practices it can still be a viable option.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 124 locations across Austria. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Austria by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Schwechat
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.1219, Longitude: 16.3917 (Schwechat, Austria), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 40° South in Schwechat, Austria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Schwechat, Austria (Lat/Long 48.1219, 16.3917) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° South for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Schwechat, Austria
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Schwechat, Austria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31° South in Summer | 51° South in Autumn | 62° South in Winter | 40° South in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Schwechat, Austria
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Schwechat, Austria.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Schwechat, Austria
Schwechat, Austria is located in the eastern part of the country, near Vienna. The topography of this region is generally flat to gently rolling hills. It's a part of the Eastern Austrian Basin which is characterized by its relatively low-lying terrain.
Considering solar PV installations, flat regions are usually ideal as they minimize installation costs and maximize exposure to sunlight. Therefore, large-scale solar PV systems could potentially be suited for many parts of this area given its topography.
However, it's important to note that topography isn't the only factor when considering locations for solar energy production. Other factors such as local climate (amount of sun), land use regulations, proximity to power grids or demand centers also play a crucial role in determining an area's suitability for large-scale solar installations.
In terms of specific nearby areas that might be suitable based on topography alone: open fields or farmlands around Schwechat and towards Fischamend Dorf could potentially serve as sites for large-scale solar PV systems due their flat landscape and presumably less obstructed access to sunlight. However, actual feasibility would depend on various other factors including ownership and land use restrictions among others.
It’s recommended that a thorough feasibility study including all these aspects should be conducted before deciding on any largescale renewable energy projects.
Austria solar PV Stats as a country
Austria ranks 28th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 2,692 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of Austria's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 25th in the world). Each year Austria is generating 302 Watts from solar PV per capita (Austria ranks 14th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Austria?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Austria. The Austrian government offers a range of financial support measures, including grants and loans, as well as tax breaks and other incentives. Additionally, the Austrian Energy Agency (AEA) provides information on funding opportunities for renewable energy projects. Furthermore, businesses can benefit from the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar energy.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Austria? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 20th of May 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
