Recklinghausen, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Recklinghausen follows a distinct pattern across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.22 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.34 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in autumn, with only 2.31 kWh/day, and winter sees the lowest production at a mere 1.14 kWh/day.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable months for solar energy production in Recklinghausen are from late spring through early autumn. This period, roughly from May to September, offers longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies, maximizing solar panel efficiency. However, the substantial drop in output during autumn and winter months presents a challenge for year-round reliance on solar energy.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed panel installations in Recklinghausen, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 44 degrees 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 orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Recklinghausen:

• Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, especially in autumn and winter, significantly reducing solar output.
• Rain and snow: Precipitation can temporarily decrease panel efficiency, with snow potentially covering panels in winter.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing these preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
• Install snow guards or heating elements to prevent snow accumulation
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to maintain optimal panel performance

While Recklinghausen's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and installation techniques can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area.

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 828 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 Recklinghausen

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.5767, Longitude: 7.2217 (Recklinghausen, 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 Recklinghausen, Germany

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Recklinghausen, Germany (Lat/Long 51.5767, 7.2217) 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 Recklinghausen, 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 Recklinghausen, 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	64° 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 Recklinghausen, 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 Recklinghausen, Germany.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Recklinghausen, Germany

The area around Recklinghausen, Germany, located at latitude 51.5767 and longitude 7.2217, is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape. This region is part of the larger Ruhr area, which is known for its industrial history and urban development. The topography of Recklinghausen and its surroundings is primarily shaped by the remnants of ancient glacial activity, resulting in a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and expansive plains. To the north and east of Recklinghausen, the terrain gradually becomes more rural, with open fields and scattered patches of woodland. The landscape here is generally flat, with occasional gentle slopes and small streams cutting through the countryside. To the south and west, the area becomes more urbanized as it merges with other cities of the Ruhr region, though pockets of green spaces and parks are still present.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain in much of the region surrounding Recklinghausen offers advantages for solar farm development. Areas to the north and east of the city, where there is more open, rural land, would likely be the most suitable for large-scale solar projects. These areas benefit from having fewer obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels, such as tall buildings or dense forests. The open fields provide ample space for the installation of extensive arrays of solar panels. Additionally, the gently sloping terrain in some parts of the region can be advantageous, as it allows for optimal panel orientation towards the sun. However, it's important to note that the Ruhr area, including Recklinghausen, experiences a moderate amount of cloud cover throughout the year, which can impact solar energy production. Despite this, advances in solar technology have made it increasingly viable to generate significant amounts of energy even in regions with less than ideal solar conditions. Any large-scale solar PV project in the area would need to carefully balance land use considerations, as the region also has significant agricultural activity. Ideal locations would be those that can combine solar energy production with continued agricultural use, a concept known as agrivoltaics, or areas that are less suitable for farming but still receive adequate sunlight. In conclusion, while the topography around Recklinghausen is generally favorable for solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the more open, rural landscapes to the north and east of the city, where large, unobstructed spaces can accommodate extensive solar arrays.

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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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.