Rustavi, Kvemo Kartli, Georgia, located at coordinates 41.555, 44.9805 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied solar energy generation profile throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity production that are worth considering for potential solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy generation in Rustavi follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with panels capable of generating 6.69 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 5.05 kWh daily per installed kilowatt.

Production diminishes considerably during autumn, dropping to 3.12 kWh per day, while winter represents the least favorable period with only 2.21 kWh daily output per kilowatt installed. This creates a ratio of approximately 3:1 between the best and worst seasons for solar generation.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed solar panel installations in Rustavi, Kvemo Kartli, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round electricity production is 35 degrees facing South. This specific angle optimizes the capture of solar radiation throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and the seasonal variation in the sun's path across the sky.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Rustavi:

• Dust and air pollution from nearby industrial activities in this manufacturing city can accumulate on panel surfaces, reducing efficiency by up to 25% if not regularly maintained.
• Occasional snow cover during winter months can temporarily halt production, though the 35-degree tilt helps facilitate natural snow shedding.
• Summer temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F) can reduce panel efficiency, as photovoltaic cells typically lose efficiency above their rated temperature.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production in Rustavi, Kvemo Kartli, several preventative measures are recommended:

• Implement quarterly cleaning schedules, with additional cleanings during periods of high dust or after snowfall.
• Consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings specifically designed for industrial environments.
• Ensure adequate airflow beneath panels to mitigate high-temperature efficiency losses during summer months.
• Use microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from nearby structures or vegetation.

Despite the seasonal variations, Rustavi's location offers a reasonable solar resource that, with proper system design and maintenance, can provide significant clean energy generation, particularly from late spring through early autumn.

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 Rustavi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.555, Longitude: 44.9805 (Rustavi, 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 35° South in Rustavi, Georgia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rustavi, Georgia (Lat/Long 41.555, 44.9805) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Rustavi, 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 Rustavi, Georgia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
25° South in Summer	46° South in Autumn	56° 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 Rustavi, 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 Rustavi, 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 Rustavi, Georgia

Rustavi, situated in eastern Georgia, lies within the Kvemo Kartli region approximately 25 kilometers southeast of the capital city Tbilisi. The topography around Rustavi is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from the flat lowlands of the Kura River valley to more elevated terrain in several directions. The city itself sits at an elevation of approximately 350-380 meters above sea level on the banks of the Kura (Mtkvari) River, which flows through the region. This positioning in a river valley creates a relatively flat immediate environment for the urban area. The Kura River valley forms a significant topographical feature, creating a broad alluvial plain that extends through this region.

Surrounding Landscape

To the north and northwest of Rustavi, the terrain gradually rises toward the foothills that eventually lead to the Greater Caucasus mountain range. The northeastern areas feature more undulating hills that increase in elevation as one moves away from the river valley. The eastern and southeastern regions present a transition to the more arid landscapes that eventually lead toward Azerbaijan. This area features gently rolling plains with occasional hills and dry valleys. The southern approach to Rustavi maintains similar characteristics with gradually rising terrain. To the west and southwest, the landscape includes both flat areas along the river valley and more elevated plateaus and hills that form part of the Lesser Caucasus foothills in the distance.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

The southeastern plains extending from Rustavi toward the Azerbaijan border represent some of the most promising terrain for large-scale solar photovoltaic installation. These areas benefit from relatively flat topography with minimal shading obstacles, good solar exposure, and less agricultural value than other regions. The gently sloping terrain in this direction also provides natural drainage without creating significant installation challenges. The southern plateaus also offer significant potential, with elevated flat areas that receive consistent solar radiation throughout the day. These locations typically have sparse vegetation and limited alternative land-use value, making them suitable candidates for solar development. The eastern plains between Rustavi and Gardabani present another viable option, featuring expansive flat terrain with minimal topographical barriers. This area already contains some industrial development, potentially offering existing infrastructure advantages for large-scale installations. Areas to the immediate west of Rustavi, where the terrain remains relatively flat before rising toward the distant mountains, could also accommodate substantial solar installations, though these regions may compete with agricultural uses in some sections. The northern and northeastern approaches toward Tbilisi are less ideal due to more variable terrain, higher population density, and increased land-use competition from suburban development and transportation corridors. The immediate river valley, while flat, represents valuable agricultural land and faces potential flooding concerns, making it less suitable for major solar development despite its accessible topography.

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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.