Solar PV Analysis of Turtucaia, Bulgaria
Turtucaia, Silistra, Bulgaria, located at 44.0536° N, 26.6146° E, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences distinct seasonal changes that significantly impact solar PV output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Turtucaia fluctuates considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.70 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.12 kWh/day/kW. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.25 kWh/day/kW, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.70 kWh/day/kW.
These figures indicate that Turtucaia is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period offers extended daylight hours and generally clearer skies, maximizing solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels in Turtucaia should be tilted at a 37-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle ensures maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Turtucaia's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Winter snowfall: The region can experience snow, which may temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended angle helps snow slide off more easily.
- Dust and pollen: Agricultural activities in the area may lead to increased dust and pollen in the air. Regular cleaning of panels can mitigate this issue.
To address these factors, consider implementing automated cleaning systems or scheduling regular maintenance. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant panels can enhance durability and maintain efficiency in varying conditions.
In conclusion, Turtucaia offers a good location for solar PV installations, especially during the warmer months. With proper planning and maintenance, solar energy can be a viable and productive renewable energy source in this Bulgarian town.
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 68 locations across Bulgaria. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Bulgaria by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Turtucaia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.0536, Longitude: 26.6146 (Turtucaia, Bulgaria), 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 37° South in Turtucaia, Bulgaria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Turtucaia, Bulgaria (Lat/Long 44.0536, 26.6146) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Turtucaia, Bulgaria
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 Turtucaia, Bulgaria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 36° 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 Turtucaia, Bulgaria
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 Turtucaia, Bulgaria.
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 Turtucaia, Bulgaria
The area around Turtucaia, Bulgaria (also known as Tutrakan) is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape. This region is part of the Danubian Plain, which stretches along the southern bank of the Danube River. The topography is primarily composed of low-lying plains and small hills, with elevations generally ranging from about 20 to 100 meters above sea level.
The immediate vicinity of Turtucaia features some slight undulations in the terrain, with a gradual slope towards the Danube River to the north. The land is mostly open, with scattered patches of vegetation and agricultural fields. To the south and southeast, the landscape becomes slightly more varied, with occasional shallow valleys and low ridges.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be the open, flat expanses to the south and southeast of Turtucaia. These locations offer several advantages:
- They have minimal shading from natural features or structures, allowing for maximum sun exposure throughout the day.
- The relatively level ground reduces the need for extensive land preparation and makes installation easier and more cost-effective.
- There is ample space for large arrays of solar panels without significant topographical obstacles.
- The area is already largely cleared for agriculture, which means less environmental impact from converting the land use.
However, it's important to note that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the suitability of specific sites for large-scale solar PV development. Additionally, care should be taken to balance solar energy development with the preservation of productive agricultural land, which is an important resource in this region.
Bulgaria solar PV Stats as a country
Bulgaria ranks 41st in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,186 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 4.70% of Bulgaria's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 18th in the world). Each year Bulgaria is generating 171 Watts from solar PV per capita (Bulgaria ranks 31st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Bulgaria?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian government offers a number of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include grants, tax credits, and other forms of support. Additionally, the European Union has provided funding for renewable energy projects in Bulgaria through its Horizon 2020 program.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Bulgaria? 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: Wednesday 9th of October 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.
