Solar PV Analysis of Agrinio, Greece
Agrinio, West Greece, Greece, situated at coordinates 38.6084, 21.4052, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Agrinio, West Greece, with an impressive daily output of 8.17 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, producing 6.44 kWh per day. These seasons present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production.
Autumn sees a significant decrease in solar output, with 3.99 kWh per day. Winter experiences the lowest production at 2.66 kWh per day. Despite the reduced output during these seasons, Agrinio still maintains a reasonable level of solar energy generation year-round.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Agrinio, West Greece, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Agrinio generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Dust and pollen: The Mediterranean climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
- Occasional heatwaves: Extreme temperatures during summer months may slightly decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these factors, regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended, especially during pollen seasons and after dust storms. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation behind the panels can help maintain optimal operating temperatures during heatwaves.
Overall, Agrinio presents a highly suitable location for solar PV installations, with strong potential for energy generation throughout the year, particularly from spring through 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 81 locations across Greece. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Greece by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Agrinio
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.6084, Longitude: 21.4052 (Agrinio, Greece), 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 32° South in Agrinio, Greece
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Agrinio, Greece (Lat/Long 38.6084, 21.4052) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Agrinio, Greece
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 Agrinio, Greece. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Agrinio, Greece
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 Agrinio, Greece.
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 Agrinio, Greece
The topography around Agrinio, Greece, is quite diverse and interesting. The city itself sits in a relatively flat valley known as the Agrinio plain, which is part of the larger Aetolia-Acarnania region. This plain is surrounded by more dramatic terrain, creating a picturesque landscape.
To the east of Agrinio, the land gradually rises into rolling hills and eventually into the Panaitoliko mountain range. These mountains, while not extremely high, provide a striking backdrop to the city. To the west, the terrain remains relatively flat as it stretches towards the Ionian Sea, with some gentle hills interspersed throughout the landscape.
The area around Agrinio is also characterized by several bodies of water. The Acheloos River, one of the largest in Greece, flows to the west of the city. Additionally, there are two significant lakes nearby: Lake Trichonida to the southeast and Lake Lysimachia to the south. These water features contribute to the region's agricultural productivity and scenic beauty.
When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat and gently sloping areas of the Agrinio plain would be most promising. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- The relatively level terrain makes construction and maintenance easier.
- There are fewer obstacles to block sunlight, maximizing energy production.
- The open spaces allow for larger installations without significant land alterations.
Specifically, the areas to the west and southwest of Agrinio, extending towards the coast, could be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These regions tend to have more consistent sunshine and less shadowing from nearby mountains. However, care should be taken to avoid prime agricultural land and environmentally sensitive areas near the river and lakes.
It's worth noting that while the mountainous areas to the east receive ample sunlight, their steep slopes and uneven terrain make them less practical for large-scale solar installations. These areas might be better suited for smaller, distributed solar projects or other forms of renewable energy like wind power.
Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would, of course, require detailed site-specific assessments, including solar radiation studies, environmental impact evaluations, and consideration of local land use regulations. The Mediterranean climate of the area, with its abundant sunshine, generally favors solar energy production, making the Agrinio region a potentially attractive location for such developments.
Greece solar PV Stats as a country
Greece ranks 24th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 3,530 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 9.30% of Greece's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 4th in the world). Each year Greece is generating 329 Watts from solar PV per capita (Greece ranks 11th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Greece?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Greece. The Greek government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include grants, subsidies, and tax credits. Additionally, the European Union has set up a number of programs to support the development of renewable energy sources in Greece.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Greece? 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: Monday 14th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 14th of October 2024
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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.
