Solar PV Analysis of Greven, Germany
Greven, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, presents a moderate opportunity for solar 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 5.32 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.24 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.18 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.05 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, with summer producing over five times more energy than winter. This variation is primarily due to the longer daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer months.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Greven, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Greven's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can reduce solar efficiency.
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall may temporarily cover panels, impeding energy production.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and panel cleaning, can also help maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, while Greven's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper panel positioning and maintenance can still yield satisfactory results, especially during the spring and summer months.
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 Greven
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0956, Longitude: 7.6032 (Greven, 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 Greven, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Greven, Germany (Lat/Long 52.0956, 7.6032) 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 Greven, 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 Greven, 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 Greven, 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 Greven, 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 Greven, Germany
The area around Greven, Germany, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the North German Plain. This region is known for its gentle rolling hills and low-lying terrain, with only subtle changes in elevation across the area. The topography is largely shaped by glacial activity from the last ice age, resulting in a mix of sandy and loamy soils.
The immediate vicinity of Greven features a combination of agricultural fields, small patches of forest, and scattered settlements. The Ems River flows through the area, creating a shallow river valley that adds some minor variations to the otherwise level landscape. To the east and northeast of Greven, the terrain becomes slightly more undulating as it transitions towards the Teutoburg Forest, but this change is gradual and not particularly dramatic.
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:
- Open agricultural land: The expansive farmlands surrounding Greven offer potential sites for solar farms. These areas are generally flat, have good sun exposure, and are already cleared of trees.
- Former industrial or mining sites: Any nearby brownfield areas that are no longer in use could be repurposed for solar installations, making efficient use of land that might otherwise be unused.
- Gently sloping hillsides: While not as common in this region, any south-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous for solar panels, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
- Areas away from flood plains: While the Ems River provides some attractive flat land, it's important to avoid areas prone to flooding. Solar installations would be better suited to slightly elevated areas away from the immediate river valley.
It's worth noting that while the topography around Greven is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning laws, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects.
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: Sunday 11th of August 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.
