Solar PV Analysis of Kefalonia, Greece
The Greek island of Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, situated at coordinates 38.1149, 20.498, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this Mediterranean destination experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels in Kefalonia demonstrate peak performance during the summer months, generating an impressive 8.16 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 6.47 kWh/day, making these seasons ideal for maximizing solar energy production.
Autumn sees a moderate decline in output, with panels producing 4.02 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest generation at 2.64 kWh/day, but still maintains a reasonable level of production compared to many other European locations.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 32 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Kefalonia generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Dust and salt spray: Being an island location, salt spray from the sea and occasional dust can accumulate on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency.
- Strong winds: The island can experience strong winds, particularly during winter storms.
To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended to remove salt and dust buildup. Additionally, ensuring sturdy mounting systems that can withstand strong winds is crucial for long-term performance and safety.
Overall, Kefalonia presents an excellent location for solar PV installations, with high potential for energy generation, particularly from spring through autumn. The mild winter climate also allows for continued, albeit reduced, production during the cooler months, making it a viable option for year-round solar energy harvesting.
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 87 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 Kefalonia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.1149, Longitude: 20.498 (Kefalonia, 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 Kefalonia, Greece
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kefalonia, Greece (Lat/Long 38.1149, 20.498) 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 Kefalonia, 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 Kefalonia, 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 | 52° South in Winter | 30° 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 Kefalonia, 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 Kefalonia, 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 Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia, the largest of Greece's Ionian Islands, boasts a diverse and dramatic topography. The island is characterized by rugged mountains, rolling hills, and coastal plains, creating a varied landscape that has captivated visitors for centuries.
The central part of Kefalonia is dominated by Mount Ainos, the highest peak on the island, reaching an elevation of about 1,628 meters (5,341 feet). This mountain range runs along the southeastern portion of the island, creating steep slopes and deep valleys. The western and northern parts of Kefalonia feature gentler hills and plateaus, interspersed with fertile valleys and plains.
Along the coastline, you'll find a mix of rocky cliffs, pebble beaches, and sandy shores. The island's irregular shape results in numerous bays and inlets, with some areas featuring dramatic sea caves and underground lakes, such as the famous Melissani Cave.
When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Kefalonia, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, receive ample sunlight throughout the year, and have minimal environmental impact. With these criteria in mind, the following areas near Kefalonia could be potential candidates:
1. The coastal plains on the western side of the island, particularly near Lixouri and the Paliki peninsula, offer flatter terrain and good sun exposure. These areas are less mountainous and could potentially accommodate larger solar installations.
2. The central plateau region between Argostoli and Sami might also be suitable, as it provides more level ground than the mountainous areas. However, care would need to be taken to avoid disrupting agricultural activities in this fertile region.
3. Some of the smaller neighboring islands, such as Ithaca or parts of Zakynthos, might offer suitable terrain for solar PV installations. These islands have areas of flatter land and could potentially benefit from the energy production.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to undergo thorough environmental and cultural impact assessments. The Greek islands are known for their natural beauty and historical significance, so careful planning would be essential to balance energy needs with preservation of the local landscape and ecosystems.
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: Thursday 19th of September 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.
