Solar PV Analysis of Velika Gorica, Croatia
Velika Gorica, Zagreb County, Croatia, situated at 45.7148° N, 16.069° E, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which directly impacts the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Velika Gorica reaches its peak during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 7.00 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 4.92 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable decrease to 3.05 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.75 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the substantial variance between seasons, with summer producing four times more energy than winter. This pattern suggests that solar energy systems in Velika Gorica will be most effective from late spring through early autumn, with reduced efficiency during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Velika Gorica, Zagreb County, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This orientation ensures the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Velika Gorica's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
- Occasional fog, particularly in autumn and winter, may slightly diminish solar irradiance.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in low-light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels, especially after snowfall, can help maintain optimal efficiency.
In conclusion, while Velika Gorica experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, proper panel orientation and preventative measures can help maximize energy production year-round. The location remains viable for solar PV installations, with the greatest benefits realized during the warmer months.
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 Velika Gorica
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.7148, Longitude: 16.069 (Velika Gorica, 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 Velika Gorica, Croatia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Velika Gorica, Croatia (Lat/Long 45.7148, 16.069) 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 Velika Gorica, 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 Velika Gorica, 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 | 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 Velika Gorica, 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 Velika Gorica, 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 Velika Gorica, Croatia
The area around Velika Gorica, Croatia, is characterized by relatively flat terrain with some gentle undulations. This region is part of the Sava River valley, which is known for its expansive lowlands. The city itself sits at an elevation of approximately 110 meters (360 feet) above sea level.
To the north and east of Velika Gorica, the landscape remains predominantly flat, with agricultural fields and scattered patches of forest. This area is part of the broader Zagreb County, which is known for its fertile plains. As you move further east, you'll encounter the Turopolje region, a historic area famous for its oak forests and traditional wooden architecture.
To the south and southwest, the terrain gradually becomes more varied, with low hills and small valleys appearing as you approach the foothills of the Žumberak Mountains. However, these elevations are still relatively modest compared to more mountainous regions in Croatia.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat terrain surrounding Velika Gorica offers several promising locations. The most suitable areas would likely be found in the following regions:
- The open agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Velika Gorica: These areas provide expansive, unobstructed spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
- The flat regions between Velika Gorica and Zagreb to the north: While some of this land is urbanized, there may be suitable locations for solar farms in less developed areas.
- The gently sloping areas to the south, as you approach the foothills: These locations might offer slightly elevated positions with good sun exposure, though care would need to be taken to avoid any significant shading from nearby hills.
When considering potential sites for solar PV installations, it's important to take into account factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, land use regulations, and environmental considerations. The relatively flat topography in much of this region is generally favorable for solar energy development, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation and reduces the risk of shading from nearby landforms.
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: Saturday 31st 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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