Solar PV Analysis of Bielefeld, Germany
Bielefeld, Germany (latitude: 52.0302285, longitude: 8.5324708) is a suitable location for generating solar power throughout the year, with varying levels of energy production depending on the season. In summer and spring, solar installations can produce an average of 5.11 kWh and 4.21 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity respectively. However, during autumn and winter months, energy production decreases to an average of 2.13 kWh and 0.98 kWh per day per kW due to shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures.
Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, Bielefeld experiences weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and windy days that could potentially impact solar power generation efficiency by reducing direct sunlight or increasing cloud cover. Cold temperatures may also cause a decrease in photovoltaic cell efficiency during winter months when compared to warmer seasons like summer or spring when more direct sunlight is available for longer periods throughout the day.
To optimize solar energy production at this location, it is recommended to install fixed panels at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing southward which will maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the year without requiring panel tracking systems.
In order to mitigate potential challenges posed by local environmental factors such as weather conditions or topography that could impede solar production in Bielefeld, it is important to carefully assess site-specific factors before installation. This may include selecting appropriate locations for panels that are less prone to shading from nearby structures or vegetation; ensuring proper drainage around installations to prevent water accumulation; using durable materials designed for harsher climates; and conducting regular maintenance checks on equipment performance.
By taking these preventative measures into account during installation planning and ongoing maintenance processes, it is possible to ensure greater energy production from solar installations in Bielefeld despite seasonal variations and local environmental factors that may otherwise hinder optimal performance.
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 834 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 Bielefeld
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0302285, Longitude: 8.5324708 (Bielefeld, 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 44° South in Bielefeld, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bielefeld, Germany (Lat/Long 52.0302285, 8.5324708) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 44° 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 Bielefeld, 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 Bielefeld, Germany. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35° South in Summer | 55° South in Autumn | 65° South in Winter | 44° 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 Bielefeld, 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 Bielefeld, 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 Bielefeld, Germany
The topography around Bielefeld, Germany is quite flat and low-lying. The nearby areas that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV are the open fields and meadows south of the city, as well as some of the larger agricultural plots in the surrounding countryside. These areas have plenty of space for large arrays and receive ample sunlight throughout the year.
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: Friday 12th of August 2022
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
