Solar PV Analysis of Goslar, Germany
The location at Goslar, Lower Saxony, Germany can generate energy from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. However, the amount of energy produced varies significantly based on the season.
In summer and spring, this location is quite productive for solar power generation with an average output of 5.08 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.33 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt of installed solar PV system capacity. This means that these seasons are ideal times to generate solar power due to longer daylight hours and higher sun intensity.
On the other hand, autumn and winter see a decrease in productivity with outputs dropping to 2.26 kWh/day in autumn and even further down to just under 1 kWh/day during winter months per kilowatt of installed capacity due to shorter days and lower sun intensity.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 44 degrees facing south would maximize total year-round production from your solar PV system by capturing as much sunlight as possible throughout different times of day and varying seasons.
As for potential impediments to solar production at this location: Goslar experiences a temperate seasonal climate which could include overcast skies or foggy conditions particularly during autumn and winter months that might reduce sunlight exposure on the panels thereby affecting their efficiency. Additionally, snowfall during winter might cover up panels which would also reduce their ability to produce electricity.
To combat these issues it's advisable that you monitor weather patterns closely so you can clear off any snow or debris from your panels promptly after bad weather events ensuring they're always exposed fully towards sunlight whenever possible. Also consider using advanced technologies like anti-reflective coating which helps increase light absorption by reducing reflection losses or installing tracking mechanisms allowing your panels follow the sun’s path across sky maximizing exposure time if budget allows.
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 Goslar
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.9215, Longitude: 10.4283 (Goslar, 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 Goslar, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Goslar, Germany (Lat/Long 51.9215, 10.4283) 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 Goslar, 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 Goslar, 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 | 54° 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 Goslar, 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 Goslar, 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 Goslar, Germany
Goslar, Germany is located in the northern foothills of the Harz Mountains. The topography around Goslar is characterized by low-lying hills and valleys with forests, meadows, and farmland. The region has a temperate seasonal climate.
Regarding large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, flat or gently sloping areas are usually preferred to minimize construction costs and optimize sun exposure. Therefore, open farmlands or industrial regions near Goslar could be potential locations for such installations.
However, it's important to note that while physical geography plays a significant role in determining suitable locations for solar farms, other factors such as local weather patterns (cloud cover), land use regulations, proximity to power grids or infrastructure also play crucial roles.
For instance, despite being in a hilly region with variable weather conditions due to its location near the mountains, Germany has been successful in implementing solar energy projects because of favorable government policies and strategic planning.
Therefore any decision on where exactly to locate large-scale PV should involve comprehensive feasibility studies including not just topographical analysis but also aspects like local climate data analysis (for sunlight availability), grid connectivity possibilities and environmental impact assessments among others.
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: Thursday 4th of April 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.
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.
