Solar PV Analysis of Husum, Germany
Husum, a town in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 54.4841 and longitude 9.0522, this coastal area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Husum, with an impressive daily output of 5.43 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.16 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with outputs of 1.88 kWh/day and 0.88 kWh/day, respectively.
These figures indicate that Husum's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The long summer days in this northern latitude contribute significantly to the high summer output. Conversely, the short winter days and low sun angle result in minimal production during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Husum, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 46 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Husum:
- Coastal Weather: Husum's proximity to the North Sea means it's prone to frequent cloud cover and precipitation, which can reduce solar efficiency.
- Wind: The area experiences strong winds, particularly in autumn and winter, which could potentially damage poorly secured solar installations.
- Salt Spray: Being close to the sea, salt spray could accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency over time.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges, several measures can be taken:
- Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed to withstand coastal conditions.
- Implement robust mounting systems to protect against strong winds.
- Schedule regular cleaning of panels to remove salt deposits and other debris.
- Consider installing a tracking system to maximize sunlight capture, especially during the productive summer months.
In conclusion, while Husum's location is not ideal for year-round solar production, it still offers significant potential, particularly from spring through autumn. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV can be a viable renewable energy source in this northern 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 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 Husum
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.4841, Longitude: 9.0522 (Husum, 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 46° South in Husum, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Husum, Germany (Lat/Long 54.4841, 9.0522) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Husum, 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 Husum, Germany. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 67° South in Winter | 47° 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 Husum, 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 Husum, 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 Husum, Germany
The topography around Husum, Germany, is characterized by its low-lying, flat landscape typical of the North Frisian coast. Husum is situated in the northwestern part of Schleswig-Holstein, close to the North Sea. The area is part of the Wadden Sea region, known for its vast tidal flats and marshlands.
The terrain surrounding Husum is predominantly flat, with very little elevation change. The land is mostly at or slightly above sea level, with some areas even below sea level, protected by dykes and other flood control measures. This flat landscape extends for miles in all directions, interrupted only by occasional small hills or gentle slopes.
The coastal area features extensive salt marshes, tidal creeks, and sandy beaches. Inland, the landscape transitions to fertile agricultural land, interspersed with small patches of woodland and numerous drainage ditches. The region also includes several small islands and halligen (small, undyked islands) off the coast.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat, open landscapes of the region offer several potential locations. The agricultural areas inland from Husum could be particularly suitable, as they provide large, unobstructed spaces with good exposure to sunlight. These areas are less prone to flooding compared to the immediate coastal zones and have fewer environmental sensitivities than the protected Wadden Sea habitats.
Specifically, the rural areas to the east and southeast of Husum, where there are expansive farmlands, could be well-suited for solar PV projects. These locations offer the advantage of being relatively close to existing infrastructure while having minimal topographical obstacles that could shade solar panels. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider land use conflicts, particularly with agriculture, as well as potential impacts on local ecosystems and bird migration routes, which are significant in this coastal 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: Tuesday 17th 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.
