Solar PV Analysis of Schwielowsee, Germany
Schwielowsee, Brandenburg, Germany, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output at Schwielowsee varies dramatically across seasons. Summer months are the most productive, with an average daily output of 5.17 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.08 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in autumn, with only 2.03 kWh/day, and winter performance drops even further to a mere 0.91 kWh/day.
These figures indicate 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 irradiance, maximizing PV system efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south. This orientation helps to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the lower winter sun angles with the higher summer sun path.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Schwielowsee:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences significant cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter months, which can reduce solar irradiance.
- Snow and ice: Winter conditions may lead to snow accumulation on panels, temporarily reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels can help maximize light absorption even in low-light conditions.
In conclusion, while Schwielowsee is not ideal for year-round solar production due to its significant seasonal variations, proper panel orientation and preventative measures can still make solar energy a viable option, particularly during the more productive months from spring to early autumn.
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 Schwielowsee
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.341, Longitude: 12.9675 (Schwielowsee, 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 Schwielowsee, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Schwielowsee, Germany (Lat/Long 52.341, 12.9675) 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 Schwielowsee, 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 Schwielowsee, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36° 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 Schwielowsee, 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 Schwielowsee, 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 Schwielowsee, Germany
The area around Schwielowsee, Germany, is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape typical of the Brandenburg region. Schwielowsee itself is a lake situated in a shallow glacial valley, surrounded by low hills and forested areas. The topography in this region was largely shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of sandy plains, small hills, and numerous lakes and wetlands.
The immediate vicinity of Schwielowsee features a combination of open fields, wooded areas, and small settlements. The terrain is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 30 to 60 meters above sea level. The landscape is dotted with smaller bodies of water and streams, creating a diverse ecosystem of forests, meadows, and aquatic habitats.
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 relatively flat, open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings. Based on the topography of the region, the following areas might be suitable:
1. Agricultural fields: The open farmland areas surrounding Schwielowsee could potentially be used for solar installations. These areas are generally flat and receive good sun exposure throughout the day.
2. Former airfields or military sites: The Brandenburg region has several decommissioned military facilities that offer large, open spaces ideal for solar farms.
3. Reclaimed mining areas: While not in the immediate vicinity of Schwielowsee, the broader Brandenburg region has numerous former open-pit mining sites that are being repurposed for renewable energy projects, including solar farms.
4. Industrial zones: Existing industrial areas or brownfield sites in nearby towns could be repurposed for solar energy production, taking advantage of already developed land.
It's important to note that while the topography around Schwielowsee is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar projects in this area.
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: Monday 7th of October 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.
