Dahlenwarsleben, a town in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.27 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.24 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.11 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 1.02 kWh/day in winter.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, with summer producing more than five times the energy of winter. This variation is primarily due to the region's high latitude, resulting in longer days and higher sun angles during summer, and shorter days with lower sun angles in winter.
Optimizing Solar Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Dahlenwarsleben, panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture more sunlight during the less productive winter months while still benefiting from the abundant summer sun.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar production in this location:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences significant cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, which can reduce solar output.
- Snow: Winter snowfall can temporarily cover panels, hindering energy production.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings to reduce snow accumulation and ensure easy cleaning. Additionally, implementing a panel cleaning schedule, particularly after snowfall, can help maintain optimal performance.
While Dahlenwarsleben may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, the substantial output during spring and summer makes it a viable option for supplementing energy needs. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can still provide significant benefits to residents and businesses in this German 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 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 Dahlenwarsleben
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.1941, Longitude: 11.5477 (Dahlenwarsleben, 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 Dahlenwarsleben, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dahlenwarsleben, Germany (Lat/Long 52.1941, 11.5477) 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 Dahlenwarsleben, 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 Dahlenwarsleben, 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 |
---|---|---|---|
36° 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 Dahlenwarsleben, 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 Dahlenwarsleben, 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 Dahlenwarsleben, Germany
The area surrounding Dahlenwarsleben, Germany, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the North European Plain. This region, located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, features gently rolling terrain with subtle elevation changes. The topography is primarily shaped by glacial processes that occurred during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and expansive plains. The countryside around Dahlenwarsleben is predominantly agricultural, with large open fields stretching across the horizon. These fields are interspersed with small patches of woodland and occasional streams or small rivers that meander through the landscape. The soil in this area is generally fertile, supporting various crops and contributing to the region's agricultural importance.
Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain in the vicinity of Dahlenwarsleben offers advantages for solar energy development. Large, open agricultural fields provide ample space for solar panel arrays without the need for extensive land clearing or grading. Areas to the south and east of Dahlenwarsleben may be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These locations tend to have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, such as tall buildings or dense forests. Additionally, south-facing slopes, even if gentle, can optimize solar exposure throughout the day. It's worth noting that while the region experiences moderate sunlight levels compared to more southern European locations, advances in solar technology have made PV installations increasingly viable in northern latitudes. The long summer days in this part of Germany can partially compensate for the reduced sunlight during winter months. When selecting specific sites for large-scale solar PV, it's crucial to consider factors beyond topography, such as proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental impact assessments. Collaboration with local authorities and landowners would be essential in identifying the most suitable locations for solar energy development in the area surrounding Dahlenwarsleben.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 20th of October 2024
Last Updated: Sunday 20th of October 2024
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
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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.