Solar PV Analysis of Herrsching Am Ammersee, Germany
Herrsching am Ammersee, a picturesque town in Bavaria, Germany, presents a mixed bag when it comes to solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar PV production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Herrsching am Ammersee fluctuates considerably throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.65 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.63 kWh/day. However, the output drops significantly in autumn to 3.10 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 1.75 kWh/day during the winter months.
These figures highlight that the location is most ideal for solar energy production from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar radiation, resulting in peak energy generation.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 42 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the changing solar elevation throughout the year and aims to capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Herrsching am Ammersee:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences significant cloud cover, especially during winter months, which can reduce solar output.
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can temporarily cover panels, hindering energy production.
- Fog: Being situated near Lake Ammersee, morning fog is common and may delay the start of daily solar generation.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, use high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels to maximize light absorption even in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and cleaning, can also help ensure optimal performance.
While Herrsching am Ammersee may not be ideal for year-round solar production due to its latitude and climate, it still offers significant potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a valuable source of renewable energy for 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 Herrsching Am Ammersee
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.9945, Longitude: 11.1666 (Herrsching Am Ammersee, 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 42° South in Herrsching Am Ammersee, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Herrsching Am Ammersee, Germany (Lat/Long 47.9945, 11.1666) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Herrsching Am Ammersee, 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 Herrsching Am Ammersee, Germany. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° 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 | 62° 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 Herrsching Am Ammersee, 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 Herrsching Am Ammersee, 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 Herrsching Am Ammersee, Germany
The area around Herrsching am Ammersee in Germany has a varied and picturesque topography. Herrsching itself is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Ammersee, a large freshwater lake nestled in the Bavarian countryside. The town is surrounded by gently rolling hills and meadows, typical of the pre-Alpine landscape in this part of southern Germany.
To the east of Herrsching, the terrain gradually rises, forming part of the Fünfseenland (Five Lakes Region). This area is characterized by a mix of forests, agricultural fields, and small settlements. The landscape here is generally undulating, with occasional steeper slopes and valleys created by small streams and rivers flowing towards Lake Ammersee.
To the west, across Lake Ammersee, the land rises more steeply into the Ammergau Alps, a subrange of the larger Bavarian Alps. These mountains, while not as tall as the main Alpine range further south, still provide a dramatic backdrop to the lake and surrounding area.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
The most suitable locations would likely be found in the flatter, open areas to the north and east of Herrsching. These regions have more expansive agricultural lands and fewer steep slopes, which are ideal for solar panel arrays. Specifically, the areas between Herrsching and the neighboring towns of Inning am Ammersee and Weßling might offer potential sites.
However, it's important to note that this region is known for its natural beauty and is popular with tourists. Large-scale solar installations would need to be carefully planned to minimize their visual impact on the landscape. Additionally, any development would need to consider local zoning laws and environmental regulations, which may restrict the use of agricultural land for solar farms.
The hillier areas to the south and west, while potentially offering good sun exposure, would likely be less suitable due to the increased costs and environmental impact of installing solar panels on steeper terrain. These areas are also more forested, which would require clearing trees, an action that might face opposition due to environmental concerns.
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 11th of September 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.
