Solar PV Analysis of Rijeka, Croatia
The location in Rijeka, Croatia is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaics (PV), which are systems that convert sunlight into electricity. The amount of electricity produced varies throughout the year depending on the season.
In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar can produce about 6.97 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day, which is quite good. In autumn and spring, each kilowatt can generate around 3.06 and 4.97 kilowatt-hours respectively per day - this is moderate but still useful production. However, in winter the output drops significantly to only about 1.66 kilowatt-hours per day due to fewer hours of daylight and lower sun position.
So if you're considering when best to generate solar power at this location, summer would be ideal followed by spring and autumn while winter would be least productive.
If you're installing fixed panel solar PV system here, it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 38 degrees facing south for maximum year-round production.
As for local factors that could affect solar production in Rijeka; weather conditions such as cloud cover or fog could potentially reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the panels thus reducing their output. The city's coastal location might also expose installations to salt spray which could damage panels over time if not properly maintained.
To mitigate these potential issues: regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep panels free from dust or salt deposits ensuring they operate efficiently; using durable materials resistant to corrosion may also prolong lifespan especially near coastal areas; monitoring weather forecasts can help anticipate periods with less sunshine so alternative energy sources or storage solutions can be prepared accordingly.
Overall while not perfect all-year round due its northern temperate zone location with varying seasonal outputs – particularly low during winter – Rijeka still offers reasonable conditions for harnessing solar power especially during summer months with appropriate installation measures taken into account.
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 29 locations across Croatia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Croatia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Rijeka
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.3253, Longitude: 14.4409 (Rijeka, Croatia), 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 38° South in Rijeka, Croatia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rijeka, Croatia (Lat/Long 45.3253, 14.4409) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Rijeka, Croatia
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 Rijeka, Croatia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 59° South in Winter | 38° 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 Rijeka, Croatia
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 Rijeka, Croatia.
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 Rijeka, Croatia
Rijeka, Croatia is located in the northern coastal region of the country. Its topography is characterized by a blend of hilly and mountainous terrain inland, and low-lying coastal plains along the Adriatic Sea. The city itself lies in a valley between mountains and sea.
As for solar PV installations, flat areas with maximum sun exposure are most suitable. Therefore, large-scale solar PV farms could potentially be installed on the coastal plains or cleared hillside terrains that have good sun exposure throughout the year. However, environmental impact assessments would need to be conducted before any installation to ensure minimal disruption to local ecosystems.
It's also important to note that Rijeka has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters which can provide ample sunlight for solar power generation.
The surrounding islands like Krk or Cres might also be potential locations given their relatively flat terrain and high levels of sunshine. However, transportation logistics may present challenges on these islands due to their isolated nature.
Another option could be installing solar panels on rooftops throughout Rijeka city center as it provides an opportunity for decentralized energy production without requiring additional land space.
In any case, detailed site-specific studies including aspects such as local climatic conditions (solar irradiation), grid connectivity, land use type etc., would need to be carried out before deciding upon specific sites for large scale Solar PV installations.
Croatia solar PV Stats as a country
Croatia ranks 84th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 109 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Croatia is generating 27 Watts from solar PV per capita (Croatia ranks 60th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Croatia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Croatia. The Croatian 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 government has set up a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a certain price per kilowatt hour (kWh) generated from renewable sources such as solar energy. This helps to make investing in solar energy more attractive for businesses.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Croatia? 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: Saturday 13th of April 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.
