Solar PV Analysis of Velbert, Germany
The location in Velbert, Germany (latitude: 51.3357, longitude: 7.0161) offers a promising potential for solar power generation throughout the year due to the varying average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity across different seasons. During summer and spring, higher energy yields can be expected with averages of 5.22 kWh/day and 4.34 kWh/day respectively, while autumn and winter yield lower amounts at 2.31 kWh/day and 1.14 kWh/day.
Velbert's position within the Northern Temperate Zone contributes to these seasonal variations in solar energy production as longer daylight hours during summer months result in increased sunlight availability for photovoltaic systems. However, local weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowfall could potentially reduce the amount of energy generated by solar PV systems.
Other factors that may impact solar power generation in Velbert include cloud cover and wind speed, both of which can decrease the efficiency and output from solar panels by reducing direct sunlight exposure on photovoltaic cells and increasing turbulence around the panels.
To optimize energy production at this location, it is recommended to install fixed-panel solar systems with a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing southward to maximize sun exposure throughout the year. While environmental factors like weather conditions cannot be controlled, proper maintenance practices such as regular cleaning of panels can help ensure greater energy production by minimizing obstructions caused by dirt or debris accumulation on panel surfaces.
In conclusion, Velbert's geographical location presents a suitable environment for generating solar power year-round despite some challenges posed by local weather conditions and other environmental factors. By taking appropriate measures during installation and maintaining clean panel surfaces, it is possible to harness significant amounts of renewable energy from this location using well-designed solar PV systems.
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 Velbert
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.3357, Longitude: 7.0161 (Velbert, 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 Velbert, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Velbert, Germany (Lat/Long 51.3357, 7.0161) 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 Velbert, 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 Velbert, 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 | 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 Velbert, 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 Velbert, 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 Velbert, Germany
The topography around Velbert, Germany is generally flat with some rolling hills. The nearby areas that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV are the flat, open fields and plains in the area. These provide an ideal location for solar panels due to their unobstructed exposure to sunlight and lack of shade from trees or buildings. Additionally, these areas tend to have very little wind which helps keep the panels stable and efficient.
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 6th of September 2022
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.
