Solar PV Analysis of Maardu, Estonia
In simpler terms, the location at Maardu, Harjumaa, Estonia is not ideal for generating energy through solar panels throughout the year. The amount of electricity you can get from every kilowatt of solar power installed varies greatly depending on the season.
During summer, you can expect to generate a decent amount of around 5.99 kWh per day. This is because during this time, there are more daylight hours and the sun's rays are stronger.
However, in autumn and winter, the output drops significantly to 1.54 kWh/day and 0.50 kWh/day respectively due to shorter days and less intense sunlight.
Spring sees an improvement with about 3.97kWh/day which means that it's better than autumn and winter but still not as good as summer.
If you're planning on installing solar panels here, they should be tilted at an angle of 49 degrees facing south for maximum efficiency throughout the year.
As for environmental or weather factors that could affect your solar production in this area:
Estonia has a humid continental climate which means long cold winters with heavy snowfall that could cover your panels reducing their efficiency or even damaging them if not properly maintained; also short cool summers where sunlight intensity might not be optimal compared to other regions closer to equator; plus frequent cloud cover all year round which reduces exposure to direct sunlight hence lowering potential energy generation from your PV system.
To prevent these issues from affecting your energy production:
- You could install a system where panels are easily adjustable so they can be cleaned off regularly in winters.
- Use high-quality durable materials resistant against harsh weather conditions.
- Install additional capacity considering lower average productivity compared to other locations.
Remember though that while these measures will help improve performance under challenging conditions they won't change fact that overall potential for solar generation in Maardu isn't very high due its geographical location and climate characteristics.
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 20 locations across Estonia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Estonia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Maardu
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.4659, Longitude: 24.975 (Maardu, Estonia), 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 49° South in Maardu, Estonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Maardu, Estonia (Lat/Long 59.4659, 24.975) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 49° 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 Maardu, Estonia
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 Maardu, Estonia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 49° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42° South in Summer | 61° South in Autumn | 71° South in Winter | 51° 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 Maardu, Estonia
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 Maardu, Estonia.
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 Maardu, Estonia
Maardu, Estonia is located in the northern part of the country near the Gulf of Finland. The topography around Maardu is relatively flat, as it's situated on a coastal plain. It's characterized by lowlands interspersed with lakes and forests.
The weather in this region can be quite variable, with long winters and short summers. While Estonia does receive less sunlight than countries closer to the equator, solar power is still a viable option due to advancements in PV technology that allow for energy generation even under less optimal conditions.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open areas devoid of shade would be most suitable. This could include cleared land or agricultural fields where there are no obstructions to block sunlight. Also important would be proximity to existing power infrastructure for ease of connecting the generated electricity to the grid.
However, before any decisions can be made regarding specific locations for such an installation, thorough site assessments including environmental impact studies would need to be conducted. Factors like local regulations and community acceptance also play crucial roles in determining feasibility.
In terms of specific nearby areas that might suit large scale solar PV based purely on topography (and not considering other factors), potential sites could include:
1) The open land area between Maardu and Muuga - it’s relatively flat and close to both towns.
2) Areas along Route 1/E20 Highway - these have good access which would make construction easier.
3) Regions south-east towards Raasiku Parish - more rural open spaces available here.
Remember though that suitability doesn't only depend upon geographical features but also involves socio-economic aspects like land use policies or ownership rights which need thorough investigation too.
Estonia solar PV Stats as a country
Estonia ranks 58th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 414 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Estonia is generating 311 Watts from solar PV per capita (Estonia ranks 13th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Estonia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Estonia. The Estonian government offers a range of financial support and tax incentives for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include grants, loans, and tax deductions. Additionally, the government has set up a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Estonia? 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: Friday 10th 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.
