Solar PV Analysis of Samobor, Croatia
The location at Samobor, Zagreb County, Croatia is somewhat suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaics (PV) all year round, but there are better times than others. The amount of electricity that can be generated from each kilowatt of installed solar power varies with the seasons.
In summer, you can expect to generate about 6.97 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt of installed solar power. This is the best time for generating solar energy because the days are longer and sunlight is stronger.
During autumn, this drops down to 3.06 kWh/day per kW of installed solar power due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sun.
Winter sees a further reduction in potential output to just 1.66 kWh/day per kW as days become even shorter and sunlight weaker.
In spring however, things start looking up again with an increase in potential output back up to 4.97 kWh/day per kW as days get longer and sun intensity increases.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 38 degrees facing south would maximize total production from your PV system throughout the year since it aligns with the path of the sun across sky over different seasons.
As far as local factors impeding solar production go, typical weather conditions like cloudy or rainy days will reduce sunlight availability thus impacting your energy generation capability using PV systems significantly especially during winter months when such weather conditions are more prevalent here in Croatia.
To ensure greater energy production despite these challenges; use high-efficiency panels which perform better under less-than-ideal light conditions; install a tracking system that follows the sun’s path across sky thereby maximizing exposure; consider adding battery storage so excess power generated during sunny periods can be stored for use during cloudy or rainy spells; keep your panels clean by regularly removing dust or snow that may accumulate on them blocking out sunlight; finally have a backup plan like a grid connection or a generator for times when your solar system can't meet your energy needs.
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 Samobor
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.7998, Longitude: 15.7102 (Samobor, 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 Samobor, Croatia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Samobor, Croatia (Lat/Long 45.7998, 15.7102) 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 Samobor, 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 Samobor, 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 | 49° South in Autumn | 60° 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 Samobor, 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 Samobor, 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 Samobor, Croatia
Samobor is located in the northwestern part of Croatia, near the border with Slovenia. The topography around Samobor is quite diverse, characterized by rolling hills and flat plains. It's situated at the eastern edge of Žumberak Mountains, also known as Samobor highlands.
Considering solar PV installations, flat areas are generally more suitable due to easier installation and maintenance. Potential locations for large-scale solar PV around Samobor could be the flatter regions to the east towards Zagreb or south-east towards Jastrebarsko where agricultural lands dominate. However, it's important to note that this should not harm agricultural activities or natural habitats.
In addition, hilltops can also be a good location for solar panels as they receive a lot of sunlight throughout the day. But factors like land ownership, grid connectivity and local regulations need to be taken into account before deciding on any specific location.
To identify most suitable sites for large scale solar PV installations specifically, it would require a detailed analysis including aspects such as sunlight hours (solar irradiation levels), land use type (agricultural fields vs unused lands), local environmental regulations etc., which goes beyond just analyzing topography.
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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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 28th 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.
