Solar PV Analysis of Split, Croatia
Split, Croatia is a suitable location for generating solar power throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity varies by season: 7.59 kWh in Summer, 3.61 kWh in Autumn, 2.02 kWh in Winter, and 5.80 kWh in Spring. This indicates that the highest energy generation occurs during the summer months due to Split's position within the Northern Temperate Zone, which receives more sunlight during this period compared to other seasons.
To optimize energy production at this location, it is recommended to install fixed solar panels at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. However, certain weather conditions and local factors may impact solar power generation in Split, Croatia.
Strong winds or heavy rain can reduce the amount of energy produced by a solar system located here. To mitigate these effects, it is essential to ensure proper installation and anchoring of solar panels to withstand such weather conditions.
Cloudy days with low light levels may also decrease the efficiency of a solar PV system situated in Split. While it is not possible to control cloud cover or weather patterns entirely, selecting high-quality photovoltaic modules with better performance under low-light conditions can help maintain higher energy production levels even on overcast days.
In summary, while Split offers favorable conditions for generating solar power year-round due to its geographical location and seasonal variations in sunlight exposure, it is crucial to consider potential environmental factors that could impede optimal energy production when planning and installing a solar PV system at this site. By taking appropriate preventative measures such as securing panels against strong winds and choosing high-performance modules for low-light situations, one can maximize their system's overall efficiency and output throughout the year.
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 Split
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.5147118, Longitude: 16.4435148 (Split, 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 Split, Croatia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Split, Croatia (Lat/Long 43.5147118, 16.4435148) 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 Split, 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 Split, 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 | 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 Split, 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 Split, 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 Split, Croatia
Split, Croatia is situated in a coastal region on the Adriatic Sea. The topography of the area is mostly flat with some rolling hills and mountains in the background. There are several open areas around Split that would be well suited for large-scale solar PV installations, including fields and agricultural land near Solin, Trogir, Podstrana, and Kaštela. The sunniest areas tend to be located along the coast or on south-facing slopes of hills.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 14th of March 2023
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.
