Solar PV Analysis of Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia
Sveti Ivan Zelina, Zagreb County, Croatia, situated at 45.9593°N, 16.2393°E, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
The solar energy output at this location varies considerably across the four seasons:
- Summer: 7.00 kWh/day per kW installed
- Spring: 4.92 kWh/day per kW installed
- Autumn: 3.05 kWh/day per kW installed
- Winter: 1.75 kWh/day per kW installed
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal times for solar energy production in Sveti Ivan Zelina are from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar radiation, resulting in higher energy yields. The peak production period typically occurs around the summer solstice in June.
Panel Tilt Angle
For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 39 degrees facing South. This angle is optimized to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the changing position of the sun across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Sveti Ivan Zelina doesn't face extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider: 1. Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended 39-degree angle helps snow slide off more easily. 2. Occasional fog or mist, particularly in autumn and winter, may slightly reduce solar irradiance. Regular cleaning of panels can mitigate any residual effects. 3. Potential shading from nearby trees or buildings should be assessed during installation to ensure optimal panel placement.
Preventative Measures
To maximize solar energy production in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Zagreb County, consider the following measures: 1. Use high-efficiency panels that perform well in lower light conditions to improve winter output. 2. Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall or during periods of increased dust or pollen. 3. Consider a tracking system for larger installations to follow the sun's path and increase overall energy yield. 4. Ensure proper ventilation behind panels to prevent overheating in summer, which can reduce efficiency.
While Sveti Ivan Zelina may not be ideal for year-round solar production due to significant seasonal variations, implementing these strategies can help maximize energy generation and make solar PV a viable option for this location.
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 Sveti Ivan Zelina
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.9593, Longitude: 16.2393 (Sveti Ivan Zelina, 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 39° South in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia (Lat/Long 45.9593, 16.2393) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Sveti Ivan Zelina, 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 Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° 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 Sveti Ivan Zelina, 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 Sveti Ivan Zelina, 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 Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia
The area around Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. This region, located northeast of Zagreb, features a mix of gently rolling hills, small valleys, and some flatter areas. The landscape is part of the southern foothills of the Medvednica mountain range, which gradually transitions into the Lonja-Ilova basin to the east.
The immediate vicinity of Sveti Ivan Zelina consists of low hills and shallow valleys, with elevations generally ranging from 150 to 300 meters above sea level. These hills are often covered with a patchwork of forests, vineyards, and agricultural fields. The terrain becomes slightly more rugged as you move northwest towards the Medvednica mountains, while it flattens out somewhat as you head southeast towards the Lonja River valley.
Several small streams and creeks crisscross the area, creating a network of minor waterways that have shaped the local topography over time. These water features have carved gentle valleys between the hills, adding to the region's varied terrain.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, a few factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure. Given the topography of the region, the most suitable areas for such projects would likely be found in the following locations:
- The flatter areas to the southeast of Sveti Ivan Zelina, as the terrain begins to level out towards the Lonja-Ilova basin. These areas may offer larger, contiguous plots of land with fewer obstacles to sunlight.
- Some of the broader hilltops or plateaus in the surrounding hills, particularly those with a southern exposure. While these might not be as expansive as lowland areas, they could still accommodate smaller-scale solar installations.
- Agricultural lands in the valleys between hills, especially if they are already cleared and have minimal shading from surrounding terrain. However, the use of productive farmland for solar installations would need to be carefully considered in terms of land-use trade-offs.
It's important to note that while the topography plays a crucial role in determining suitable locations for solar PV, other factors such as land ownership, proximity to power infrastructure, and local regulations would also need to be taken into account for any large-scale solar project in this area.
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 17th of August 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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