Solar PV Analysis of Bensheim, Germany
The location of Bensheim, Hesse, Germany is moderately suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems all year round. The amount of electricity that can be produced varies with the seasons.
In summer, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar could produce about 5.55 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day - this is the best time for solar production at this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight. In spring, it's slightly less at around 4.57 kWh/day per kW but still quite good.
However, in autumn and winter when days are shorter and sunlight is less intense due to the tilt of Earth's axis, output drops significantly to around 2.59 kWh/day per kW in autumn and only about 1.24 kWh/day per kW in winter.
To make the most out of a fixed panel installation at this location throughout the year, panels should ideally be tilted towards south at an angle of 42 degrees as it maximizes total annual production from solar PV.
As for environmental or weather factors that might hinder solar production here: Germany has a temperate seasonal climate which means frequent changes in weather conditions like cloudy skies or rain especially during autumn and winter months which could reduce sunlight exposure on panels thus affecting their efficiency.
Snowfall may also cover panels reducing their output but Bensheim doesn't usually experience heavy snowfall so it shouldn't be a major concern here.
Preventative measures include installing tracking systems that adjust panel direction according to sun position ensuring maximum light absorption; using high-quality efficient panels that work well even under low light conditions; regular cleaning & maintenance especially after harsh weather conditions like storms or snowfall; setting up windbreaks if area experiences strong winds to prevent potential damages etc., these steps will help ensure greater energy production despite these factors.
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 919 locations across Germany. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Germany by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bensheim
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.683, Longitude: 8.6219 (Bensheim, Germany), 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 42° South in Bensheim, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bensheim, Germany (Lat/Long 49.683, 8.6219) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Bensheim, Germany
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 Bensheim, Germany. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33° South in Summer | 52° South in Autumn | 63° South in Winter | 42° 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 Bensheim, Germany
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 Bensheim, Germany.
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 Bensheim, Germany
Bensheim is located in the Bergstraße district in southern Hesse, Germany. The topography of this region is characterized by a mixture of flat plains and hilly terrain. Bensheim lies on the east side of the Rhine rift, directly at the foot of Odenwald mountain range.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be open and flat spaces that receive a lot of sunlight throughout the year. In Bensheim area, these could potentially include agricultural lands or other open fields on plains where there are fewer obstructions to sunlight such as tall buildings or trees.
However, it's important to note that suitability for solar power also depends on factors beyond just topography - including local climate conditions (amount and intensity of sunshine), land use restrictions, proximity to power grids and infrastructure etc. Therefore a more detailed local study would be needed to identify specific sites within this region best suited for large-scale solar PV projects.
Also worth noting is that even hilly regions can sometimes accommodate solar panels if they are south-facing slopes (in Northern Hemisphere) which can get good sun exposure. Techniques like terracing have been used in some hilly regions to install solar panels.
In terms of larger geographical context: Rhine rift valley could potentially offer suitable locations given its relatively flatter terrain compared with surrounding highlands; similarly upper Rhine plain might have potential spots too depending upon local conditions & constraints.
Germany solar PV Stats as a country
Germany ranks 4th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 58,461 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 9.70% of Germany's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 3rd in the world). Each year Germany is generating 702 Watts from solar PV per capita (Germany ranks 3rd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Germany?
Yes, there are a few incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Germany. These include feed-in tariffs, which guarantee businesses a price per kilowatt hour of electricity produced from their solar system; tax incentives such as the reduction of corporate income taxes; and subsidies from regional governments or utilities. Additionally, Germany's Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) provides additional support for projects that involve renewable energies.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Germany? 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 13th of April 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
