Solar PV Analysis of Endingen, Germany
Endingen, located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.52 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.72 kWh daily. However, autumn sees a considerable drop to 2.81 kWh per day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 1.32 kWh daily.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing over four times the energy of winter. This variation is primarily due to the changes in daylight hours and sun angle throughout the year.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Endingen, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 41-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's path across the sky throughout the year, balancing summer and winter performance.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Endingen's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact performance:
- Winter snow: The region can experience snowfall, which may temporarily cover panels and reduce efficiency.
- Fog and cloud cover: The nearby Rhine Valley can experience fog, particularly in autumn and winter, potentially reducing solar irradiance.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and use high-quality, anti-reflective glass to maximize light absorption even in less-than-ideal conditions. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially after snowfall, can also help ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
While Endingen's location presents challenges, particularly during the winter months, it still offers significant potential for solar energy generation. With proper panel positioning and preventative measures against environmental factors, solar PV systems can provide a substantial contribution to the area's energy needs, especially during the productive spring and summer seasons.
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 Endingen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.1337, Longitude: 7.7007 (Endingen, 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 Endingen, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Endingen, Germany (Lat/Long 48.1337, 7.7007) 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 Endingen, 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 Endingen, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32° 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 Endingen, 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 Endingen, 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 Endingen, Germany
The area around Endingen, Germany, is characterized by diverse topography that reflects its location in the Upper Rhine Plain, near the foothills of the Black Forest. Endingen itself sits at an elevation of approximately 190 meters (623 feet) above sea level.
To the west of Endingen, the landscape is predominantly flat, consisting of the fertile Rhine Valley. This area is known for its agricultural productivity, with vast stretches of farmland and vineyards. The terrain here is generally low-lying and level, with only subtle changes in elevation.
Moving eastward from Endingen, the topography becomes more varied as it transitions into the foothills of the Black Forest. Here, you'll find gently rolling hills and small valleys, with elevations gradually increasing. The landscape becomes more forested and rugged as you progress further into the Black Forest region.
To the north and south of Endingen, the terrain is a mix of flat areas and gentle slopes, with occasional small hills and ridges. This creates a patchwork of agricultural fields, meadows, and scattered woodlands.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Endingen, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the flatter regions to the west, within the Rhine Valley. These areas offer several advantages for solar PV development:
1. The flat terrain provides ample space for large arrays of solar panels without the need for significant land preparation or terracing.
2. The open landscape of the Rhine Valley experiences less shading from geographical features, maximizing potential sunlight exposure throughout the day.
3. Agricultural lands in this area that are less productive or have been set aside could potentially be repurposed for solar farms, creating a dual-use scenario for the land.
4. The existing infrastructure in the Rhine Valley, including roads and proximity to population centers, could facilitate the construction and maintenance of solar installations.
While the hilly areas to the east might offer some suitable locations on south-facing slopes, these would generally be smaller in scale and potentially more challenging to develop due to the varied terrain. The flat, open spaces of the Rhine Valley west of Endingen present the most promising opportunities for large-scale solar PV projects in the region.
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: Wednesday 24th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
