Solin, Croatia, situated at 43.5396°N, 16.4957°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.

Seasonal Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 7.56 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.75 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a considerable drop in production, with 3.54 kWh/day and 1.96 kWh/day respectively.

The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the location's strong seasonal dependency. The long, sunny days of summer provide excellent conditions for solar energy generation, while the shorter, often overcast days of winter significantly reduce output.

Optimal Panel Placement

For fixed panel installations in Solin, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 37 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to balance the varying solar elevations throughout the year, optimizing energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Solin's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Coastal proximity: Solin's location near the Adriatic Sea may expose solar panels to salt spray, potentially causing corrosion over time.
• Wind: The area can experience strong winds, particularly the bora, which could impact panel stability if not properly secured.

To mitigate these factors, installers should use corrosion-resistant materials and ensure robust mounting systems. Regular cleaning to remove salt deposits and debris is also recommended to maintain optimal performance.

Conclusion

Overall, Solin offers good potential for solar PV energy generation, especially during summer and spring. While winter production is notably lower, the location's annual average still makes solar a viable option. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems in Solin can provide a significant contribution to renewable energy production.

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 Solin

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.5396, Longitude: 16.4957 (Solin, 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 37° South in Solin, Croatia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Solin, Croatia (Lat/Long 43.5396, 16.4957) 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 Solin, 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 Solin, Croatia. 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
27° South in Summer	46° 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 Solin, 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 Solin, Croatia.

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 Solin, Croatia

The topography around Solin, Croatia, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines coastal plains, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. Situated near the Adriatic Sea, Solin is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps to the north and east. The terrain gradually rises from the coast, with the city itself located on relatively flat land along the Jadro River. To the west of Solin, the land slopes gently towards the sea, forming a narrow coastal plain that stretches along the shoreline. This area is predominantly urban, with the city of Split and its suburbs occupying much of the available space. Moving inland and to the north, the landscape becomes more varied, with low hills and small valleys dotting the region.

Mountainous Terrain

The most prominent topographical feature in the vicinity of Solin is the Mosor mountain range, which rises dramatically to the east and northeast of the city. These limestone mountains reach heights of over 1,000 meters and create a striking backdrop to the urban areas below. The rugged terrain of Mosor is characterized by steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation typical of the Mediterranean climate.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, and proximity to existing infrastructure. The coastal plain to the west and southwest of Solin offers some potential for solar development, particularly in areas that are not heavily urbanized. These locations benefit from excellent sun exposure and minimal shading from mountains. However, competition for land use in this densely populated region may present challenges. More promising areas for large-scale solar PV might be found in the hilly regions to the north and northeast of Solin, away from the immediate coastal zone. These areas often feature south-facing slopes that could maximize solar exposure throughout the day. The terrain here is generally less steep than the nearby mountains, making construction and maintenance more feasible. Additionally, some of the higher plateaus and gentler slopes of the Mosor mountain range could potentially accommodate solar installations. While these locations may present some logistical challenges due to their elevation and terrain, they often have the advantage of excellent solar resources and less competition for land use. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and grid connection possibilities. The beautiful and ecologically sensitive nature of the region around Solin means that thorough planning and impact assessments would be crucial for any significant solar energy projects.

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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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.