Mtskheta, Georgia, situated at latitude 41.8407 and longitude 44.7185 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This historic city experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar electricity production that prospective solar panel owners should consider.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panels in Mtskheta demonstrate strong performance during summer months, generating approximately 6.69kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season with 5.05kWh/day per installed kilowatt. Production drops considerably during autumn (3.12kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (2.21kWh/day).

This seasonal pattern creates a more than threefold difference between peak summer and minimum winter production. The strong performance during spring and summer (approximately March through August) makes these seasons ideal for solar energy generation in this location, while the substantial drop in autumn and winter means supplementary energy sources may be necessary during these periods.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Mtskheta, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 36 degrees facing South. This specific angle optimizes the annual solar capture by balancing seasonal variations in sun position and intensity throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Mtskheta:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can temporarily reduce panel efficiency by blocking sunlight. Installing panels at the recommended 36-degree tilt helps with natural snow shedding, while periodic manual clearing may be necessary during heavy snowfall events.
• Dust and pollen from the surrounding landscape can gradually decrease panel efficiency. Regular cleaning maintenance, ideally quarterly, can mitigate this issue.
• Mtskheta's location in a river valley (at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers) may occasionally experience morning fog or mist, particularly in autumn and winter. This geographic feature can temporarily reduce morning solar production on affected days.

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, solar installations should include microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading, incorporate automated or manual cleaning systems, and utilize high-efficiency panels that perform better in lower-light conditions during the less productive seasons.

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 8 locations across Georgia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Georgia by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Mtskheta

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.8407, Longitude: 44.7185 (Mtskheta, Georgia), 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 36° South in Mtskheta, Georgia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mtskheta, Georgia (Lat/Long 41.8407, 44.7185) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Mtskheta, Georgia

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 Mtskheta, Georgia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
26° South in Summer	46° South in Autumn	57° South in Winter	33° 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 Mtskheta, Georgia

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 Mtskheta, Georgia.

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 Mtskheta, Georgia

Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is situated at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, approximately 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi. The topography of this region is characterized by diverse landscapes that reflect the transition between the Lesser Caucasus Mountains and the Mtkvari River valley. The immediate vicinity of Mtskheta features a river valley surrounded by rolling hills and modest mountains. The elevation in the town itself is approximately 450-480 meters above sea level, while the surrounding terrain rises considerably, creating a semi-enclosed basin. To the north, the landscape transitions into the foothills of the Greater Caucasus range, with elevations increasing rapidly.

Surrounding Terrain Features

The southern approach to Mtskheta follows the Mtkvari River valley, which provides a relatively flat corridor amidst otherwise hilly terrain. To the east and west, the landscape consists of moderately elevated hills and plateaus, some of which rise to 700-800 meters above sea level. These hills are often characterized by gentle to moderate slopes and are partially covered with vegetation. The geological composition of the area includes alluvial deposits in the river valleys, while the surrounding uplands feature sedimentary and volcanic rocks. This varied geology has contributed to the formation of diverse soil types throughout the region.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several nearby areas present favorable conditions based on topographical considerations: The elevated plateaus to the east and southeast of Mtskheta offer promising locations for solar development. These areas provide relatively flat terrain at higher elevations, which reduces the likelihood of shading from surrounding mountains. The gently sloping highlands between Mtskheta and Tbilisi, particularly those facing south, would receive substantial solar radiation throughout the year. The broader Mtkvari River valley to the south also presents opportunities, particularly on the eastern banks where west-facing slopes receive afternoon sun. These areas benefit from being outside the immediate shadow of the higher mountains to the north. Some of the more gradual hillsides to the west of Mtskheta could also accommodate solar installations, though careful site selection would be necessary to avoid areas with excessive slope or unfavorable orientation.

Topographical Challenges

Despite these potential areas, the region does present certain topographical challenges for solar development. The mountain ranges to the north can cast shadows during winter months when the sun is lower in the sky. Additionally, the varied terrain means that fog and low clouds can accumulate in the river valleys, particularly during morning periods in certain seasons. The hillier sections immediately surrounding Mtskheta would require significant grading and preparation for large-scale installations, increasing development costs. Furthermore, some of the flatter areas along the rivers may be subject to periodic flooding or have high water tables, making them less suitable for electrical infrastructure. In conclusion, while the mixed topography around Mtskheta presents some challenges for solar development, the region does offer several promising areas, particularly on the elevated plateaus and gentle slopes to the east and south of the city. These locations combine favorable orientation with sufficient flat or gently sloping terrain to support large-scale solar photovoltaic installations.

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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.