Samtredia, Imereti, Georgia, situated at coordinates 42.1559, 42.334 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately viable location for solar PV energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations that affect its overall ideal performance.

Seasonal Solar Production

The solar energy potential in Samtredia varies considerably throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, generating an average of 6.41kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 4.61kWh/day, while autumn yields 3.14kWh/day. Winter presents the greatest challenge with only 1.79kWh/day of production.

This seasonal pattern creates a three-fold difference between the best and worst production periods, with summer generating approximately 3.6 times more energy than winter. This significant variation means that supplementary energy sources would be particularly valuable during the winter months.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed solar panel installations in Samtredia, Imereti, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 36 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's latitude in the Northern Hemisphere.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Samtredia:

• The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant rainfall throughout the year, which can reduce solar efficiency due to cloud cover.
• Dust and pollen accumulation is common in the agricultural areas surrounding Samtredia, Imereti, potentially reducing panel efficiency if not regularly maintained.
• Morning fog can be prevalent in this region, particularly in the cooler months, delaying optimal production until later in the day.

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Samtredia would benefit from regular cleaning systems to remove dust and pollen, slightly steeper panel angles than the mathematical optimum to promote self-cleaning during rainfall, and anti-reflective coatings to maximize light capture during periods of diffuse sunlight. Additionally, considering the significant seasonal variation, a hybrid energy system that combines solar with other renewable sources would provide more consistent year-round energy production.

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 Samtredia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.1559, Longitude: 42.334 (Samtredia, 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 Samtredia, Georgia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Samtredia, Georgia (Lat/Long 42.1559, 42.334) 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 Samtredia, 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 Samtredia, 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	47° South in Autumn	57° South in Winter	34° 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 Samtredia, 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 Samtredia, 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 Samtredia, Georgia

The topography around Samtredia, Georgia presents a fascinating landscape shaped by its geographical positioning between the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the north and the Lesser Caucasus to the south. Situated in the western part of Georgia, Samtredia lies within the Kolkheti Lowland, which forms part of the broader Colchis Plain. This region is characterized by predominantly flat terrain with an elevation of approximately 25-30 meters above sea level. The immediate surroundings of Samtredia feature gentle undulations rather than dramatic relief. The landscape gradually transitions from the flat alluvial plains to more elevated areas as one moves eastward. The city is nestled in the valley of the Rioni River, one of Georgia's major waterways, which has played a significant role in shaping the local topography through centuries of sediment deposition.

Surrounding Landscape Features

To the west of Samtredia, the terrain maintains its relatively flat character as it extends toward the Black Sea coast, approximately 60 kilometers away. This western region becomes increasingly marshy as it approaches the coastline, with numerous small rivers and streams creating a network of waterways. Moving north from Samtredia, the landscape begins to rise gradually toward the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. These foothills, beginning about 40-50 kilometers from Samtredia, eventually give way to the impressive mountain range that forms Georgia's northern border. The southern approach from Samtredia similarly features a gradual increase in elevation as the terrain transitions toward the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The eastern direction leads toward the more central parts of Georgia, where the topography becomes more varied with rolling hills and elevated plateaus.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

When considering the establishment of largescale solar photovoltaic installations near Samtredia, several areas present favorable conditions based on topographical factors. The flat expanses of the Kolkheti Lowland surrounding Samtredia offer significant advantages for solar development. These areas provide ample space for extensive arrays without requiring substantial terrain modification, which can reduce construction costs and environmental impact. Particularly promising are the slightly elevated areas to the southeast of Samtredia, where the terrain begins to rise but remains relatively flat. These locations benefit from reduced flood risk compared to the lower-lying areas closer to the Rioni River and its tributaries. The slight elevation also potentially reduces exposure to morning fog that can form in river valleys. The gently sloping terrain to the east and northeast of Samtredia also merits consideration. These areas receive good solar exposure throughout the day due to their westward-facing aspects and minimal shadowing from nearby landforms. The gradual slopes in these regions can actually enhance solar collection efficiency when panels are oriented appropriately. Areas to avoid would include the more marshy western regions toward the Black Sea, where high water tables and potential flooding present installation and maintenance challenges. Similarly, the steeper slopes found further north and south would require more extensive site preparation, increasing both environmental impact and development costs. The open agricultural lands that surround Samtredia in multiple directions could potentially accommodate dual-use systems that allow for both agricultural activities and solar energy generation, maximizing land productivity while supporting the local economy.

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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.