Solar PV Analysis of Weiden, Germany
Weiden, Bavaria in Germany has the potential to generate solar energy all year round, but the amount of electricity produced varies significantly by season due to changes in sunlight exposure.
During summer, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar can produce an average of 5.63 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. This is the most productive period for solar energy generation because there are more daylight hours and stronger sun rays.
In autumn and spring, each kW can yield about 2.56 kWh/day and 4.35 kWh/day respectively. These seasons have moderate sunlight intensity which is less than summer but still enough to generate a decent amount of energy.
Winter sees a significant drop with only 1.25 kWh/day produced per kW due to shorter days and weaker sun rays.
For maximum year-round production from solar photovoltaic (PV), it's recommended that panels be tilted at an angle of 42 degrees facing south if they are fixed installations.
However, certain factors might affect the efficiency of these panels:
1) Cloud cover: Weiden experiences considerable cloud cover throughout much of the year which reduces sunlight reaching the panels.
Preventative measure: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help ensure that when sun does shine through any gaps in clouds or on clearer days, it's captured as efficiently as possible by clean surfaces free from dust or debris build-up.
2) Snowfall: During winter months especially, snow could potentially cover panels reducing their effectiveness.
Preventative measure: A professional installer should consider this factor during installation – positioning them at angles where snow slides off easily or using automated cleaning systems that remove snow without damaging panel surface could be beneficial solutions.
3) Shade from trees or buildings: If nearby structures cast shadows over your panels for part of day this will reduce their productivity.
Preventative measure: It’s important during pre-installation site surveys to identify any such obstructions and either remove them or position your panels where they will receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day.
In conclusion, while Weiden, Bavaria isn't an ideal location for solar energy production due to its weather conditions, with careful planning and regular maintenance it's still possible to generate a significant amount of electricity using solar PV.
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 Weiden
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.6764, Longitude: 12.1536 (Weiden, 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 42° South in Weiden, Germany
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Weiden, Germany (Lat/Long 49.6764, 12.1536) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Weiden, 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 Weiden, Germany. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33° South in Summer | 52° South in Autumn | 63° South in Winter | 42° 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 Weiden, 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 Weiden, 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 Weiden, Germany
Weiden, Germany is located in the northeastern part of Bavaria and is characterized by a mixture of flatlands and hilly terrain. The city itself lies within a valley, surrounded by low mountain ranges such as the Upper Palatine Forest to the east and south, and the Fichtel Mountains to the north.
The topography around Weiden is relatively moderate with altitudes ranging from 351 meters to 539 meters above sea level. This makes it suitable for various types of infrastructure including solar PV installations.
As for large-scale solar PV installations, open flat lands would be most suitable due to ease of installation and maintenance, as well as optimal sun exposure. In this regard, areas to the west or northwest of Weiden may be more appropriate as they seem flatter compared to other directions that are more forested or hilly.
However, several factors need consideration when choosing sites for large-scale solar projects beyond just topography. These include proximity to power transmission lines (to connect generated electricity into grid), land use regulations (whether it's permitted to install such facilities on given land), local climate conditions (annual sunshine hours) etc.
Lastly, another option could also be installing solar panels on rooftops within urban areas in Weiden - this can contribute significantly towards renewable energy targets without requiring additional land resources.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 2nd of April 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.
