Solar PV Analysis of Burghausen, Germany
Burghausen, Bavaria, Germany, situated at 48.1647°N, 12.829°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which affects its overall suitability for year-round solar power generation.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy output in Burghausen varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.89 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 4.57 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 2.78 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.48 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Burghausen is most ideal for solar energy production during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during this period contribute to the increased energy output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Burghausen, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 41 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's path throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Burghausen's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact solar panel efficiency:
- Snow accumulation in winter months can temporarily reduce panel output
- Cloudy days, which are more common in autumn and winter, can decrease energy production
To mitigate these factors, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and cleaning, can also help maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, while Burghausen's location is not ideal for consistent year-round solar energy production due to significant seasonal variations, it still offers good potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a viable source of renewable energy in this Bavarian town.
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 Burghausen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.1647, Longitude: 12.829 (Burghausen, 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 41° South in Burghausen, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Burghausen, Germany (Lat/Long 48.1647, 12.829) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Burghausen, 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 Burghausen, Germany. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31° South in Summer | 51° South in Autumn | 61° South in Winter | 40° 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 Burghausen, 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 Burghausen, 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 Burghausen, Germany
The area around Burghausen, Germany, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape. Located in southeastern Bavaria, near the Austrian border, Burghausen sits along the Salzach River, which forms a natural boundary between Germany and Austria. The topography of this region is a mix of gently rolling hills, river valleys, and some flatter areas.
The immediate vicinity of Burghausen features the Salzach River valley, which has carved a path through the landscape over time. This valley is flanked by moderately steep hills on both sides, creating a scenic setting for the town. As you move away from the river, the terrain becomes more varied, with a combination of agricultural fields, patches of forest, and undulating countryside.
To the north and west of Burghausen, the land gradually transitions into the Bavarian foothills, with elevations slowly increasing. These areas are characterized by a patchwork of farmland, meadows, and wooded areas. To the south and east, the landscape becomes slightly flatter as it approaches the Alpine foreland, though it still maintains some gentle hills and valleys.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from surrounding terrain or vegetation. Based on the topography of the region, the following areas might be most suitable:
- The flatter agricultural lands to the south and east of Burghausen, extending towards the Alpine foreland, could offer good potential for solar farms. These areas typically have fewer obstructions and more open space.
- Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest, which can be found scattered throughout the region, might also be suitable. These slopes can provide optimal angles for solar panels to capture sunlight throughout the day.
- Former industrial or brownfield sites in the broader region, if available, could be repurposed for solar installations. These areas are often already cleared and may have existing infrastructure that can be utilized.
- Large, open fields or pastures that are not prime agricultural land could be considered for solar development, particularly those with good road access for construction and maintenance.
It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor in determining suitable locations for solar PV installations, other considerations such as local zoning laws, environmental regulations, grid connection possibilities, and community acceptance would also play significant roles in the final site selection process.
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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 13th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
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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.
