Solar PV Analysis of Spangenberg, Germany
The location at Spangenberg, Hesse, Germany is moderately suitable for generating energy via solar PV panels year-round. The amount of electricity that can be produced varies throughout the year due to seasonal changes in sunlight.
In summer, the output is highest with an average of 5.03 kWh per day for every kW of installed solar capacity. This means that during this season you will get the most out of your solar panels and it's the ideal time for energy production.
Spring also provides a good yield with an average output of 4.14 kWh/day per kW installed - not as high as summer but still pretty decent.
However, in autumn and winter, the output decreases significantly due to less sunlight hours and lower sun angles. In autumn you can expect around 2.21 kWh/day per kW installed while winter drops even further to about 1.03 kWh/day per kW installed.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting your panels at a 43 degrees angle towards South would help maximize total yearly production from your solar PV system since it aligns better with the sun’s path across the sky throughout different seasons.
As far as environmental or weather factors are concerned, Germany does have its fair share of cloudy days which could potentially reduce solar production because clouds block direct sunlight from reaching your panels. Winters can also bring snow which may cover up your panels thus reducing their efficiency until cleared off.
To counteract these issues:
1) You might consider installing additional or larger capacity panels to compensate for those days when sunshine is not optimal.
2) Regular maintenance including clearing off any snowfall promptly will help ensure greater energy production.
3) Using advanced technology like bifacial (double-sided) modules that capture light on both sides or tracking systems that follow sun’s movement might also increase overall efficiency despite weather conditions.
Remember though: while these measures may improve performance they could also add extra costs so it's important to weigh the benefits against potential additional investment.
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 Spangenberg
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.1201, Longitude: 9.6651 (Spangenberg, 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 43° South in Spangenberg, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Spangenberg, Germany (Lat/Long 51.1201, 9.6651) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Spangenberg, 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 Spangenberg, Germany. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34° South in Summer | 54° South in Autumn | 64° South in Winter | 43° 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 Spangenberg, 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 Spangenberg, 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 Spangenberg, Germany
Spangenberg, Germany is located in the North Hesse region and is characterized by a hilly landscape with forests, meadows, rivers and streams. The town itself is situated in a valley surrounded by these hills.
The topography of the land plays an important role in determining the suitability for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Flat or gently sloping areas are generally most suitable as they allow for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels, as well as maximizing sun exposure.
Given that Spangenberg has a hilly terrain with many forested areas, it might not be the ideal location for large-scale solar PV farms due to potential shading issues from trees and hillsides. However, there could potentially be suitable spots on hilltops or cleared areas where sunlight exposure is optimal.
Additionally, considering Germany's high latitude (51 degrees north), it would be beneficial to orientate any large-scale solar PV installations towards the south to maximize sun exposure throughout the year.
Ultimately though, other factors such as local climate conditions (e.g., cloud cover), land use constraints (e.g., protected natural areas), proximity to power grids or infrastructure would also need to be considered when identifying potential sites for large-scale solar PV projects. A detailed site assessment including ground surveys and feasibility studies would therefore be necessary before making any final decisions about specific locations.
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: Friday 12th of July 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.
