Weiz, Styria, Austria, situated at coordinates 47.2191, 15.6137, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Weiz demonstrate significant seasonal fluctuation in energy output. Summer months yield the highest production at 5.93 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 4.24 kWh/day, while autumn generates a moderate 2.92 kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest output at only 1.64 kWh/day per installed kilowatt.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production (nearly 3.6 times more energy in summer) highlights the seasonal nature of this location. This pattern makes Weiz most suitable for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn, with peak performance in the summer months.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Weiz, Styria, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 40 degrees facing South. This carefully calculated angle optimizes the annual solar harvest by accounting for the location's specific latitude and seasonal solar paths.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors in Weiz may impact solar production:

• Heavy snowfall in winter can cover panels and significantly reduce the already low winter production. Installing panels at the steep 40-degree angle helps with snow shedding, while snow removal systems may be necessary for optimal winter performance.
• Fog and low cloud cover, common in Alpine regions during autumn and winter, further reduce solar radiation reaching the panels. This partially explains the lower production figures for these seasons.
• Occasional hailstorms in summer pose a physical risk to panels. Using hail-resistant panels with tempered glass and proper certification is recommended for this region.

The substantial seasonal variation suggests that Weiz installations would benefit from either energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal differences or grid connection to export excess summer production while importing energy during the less productive winter months.

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 Weiz

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.2191, Longitude: 15.6137 (Weiz, 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 Weiz, Austria

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Weiz, Austria (Lat/Long 47.2191, 15.6137) 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 Weiz, 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 Weiz, 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
30° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	61° 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 Weiz, 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 Weiz, Austria.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Weiz, Austria

The topography around Weiz, Austria presents a varied landscape characteristic of the eastern foothills of the Alps. Situated in the Austrian state of Styria (Steiermark), Weiz lies in a valley carved by the Weizbach stream, surrounded by gentle hills that gradually rise into more pronounced elevations. The town itself sits at approximately 470 meters above sea level, nestled within this picturesque valley setting. Surrounding Weiz, the landscape transitions between rolling agricultural lands and more elevated forested areas. To the west, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous as it approaches the Almenland Nature Park, with elevations exceeding 1,200 meters. The eastern approach to Weiz features more moderate hills and broader valleys that eventually extend toward the Hungarian plains.

Topographical Features

The immediate vicinity of Weiz is characterized by the Weiz Basin, a relatively flat valley floor where the town center is located. This basin is bordered by hills that rise approximately 100-300 meters above the valley floor, creating a sheltered microclimate. The Raab River valley lies to the southeast, offering another significant topographical feature that influences the local landscape. The hills surrounding Weiz typically have moderate slopes, many facing south and southeast, which is particularly relevant when considering solar potential. These hills are often covered with a mixture of agricultural land, orchards, vineyards, and forests, creating a mosaic pattern typical of this region of Styria.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

Several areas near Weiz show promise for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, primarily due to their topographical characteristics. The most suitable locations include: The southeastern slopes and plateaus between Weiz and Gleisdorf offer relatively flat or gently sloping terrain with favorable solar exposure. These areas, approximately 5-10 kilometers from Weiz, feature agricultural land that could potentially accommodate solar installations without significant land-use conflicts. The elevated plateaus to the northeast of Weiz, in the direction of Pischelsdorf, present another opportunity. These areas have sufficient elevation to avoid morning fog that sometimes settles in the valleys, while maintaining relatively flat terrain that would minimize installation costs and complexity. The broader Raab Valley, extending east from Weiz, contains several flat or gently sloping areas that could be suitable for larger installations. This valley receives good solar exposure due to its east-west orientation and moderate width that limits shadowing from surrounding hills.

Topographical Challenges

Despite these promising areas, the topography around Weiz does present certain challenges for large-scale solar development. The more mountainous terrain to the west and northwest creates significant shadowing effects during winter months when the sun angle is lower. Additionally, the narrower valleys can experience temperature inversions that lead to fog formation, temporarily reducing solar irradiance. The moderately hilly nature of much of the surrounding landscape may require terracing or other specialized installation techniques for larger projects, potentially increasing development costs. However, these challenges are balanced by the availability of suitable land and the region's overall favorable position within Austria for solar energy capture. The agricultural importance of the flatter lands around Weiz may also create competition for suitable sites, making careful land-use planning essential for any large-scale solar development. Elevated areas with poor agricultural potential but good solar exposure could represent the optimal compromise between energy production and preservation of valuable farmland.

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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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.

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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.