Solar PV Analysis of Preveza, Greece
Preveza, Epirus, Greece, situated at coordinates 38.9465, 20.7523, offers a promising location for solar energy generation through photovoltaic (PV) systems. This coastal town in northwestern Greece experiences varying levels of solar potential throughout the year, with distinct seasonal patterns.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy production in Preveza follows a predictable annual cycle. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 8.16 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 6.47 kWh per day. Autumn sees a significant drop in production, with 4.02 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.64 kWh per day.
Optimal Panel Placement
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Preveza, Epirus, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the best overall performance across all seasons, taking into account the sun's changing position throughout the year.
Peak Production Periods
The ideal times for solar energy generation in Preveza are during the summer months, typically from June to August, when daylight hours are longest and solar intensity is at its peak. The spring months, particularly April and May, also offer excellent conditions for solar production. These periods present the best opportunity for maximizing energy output from solar PV systems.
Environmental Considerations
While Preveza generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Coastal location: Proximity to the sea may lead to salt spray accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency over time.
- Occasional dust storms: The region can experience dust storms, particularly during dry periods, which may temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these environmental challenges and ensure optimal solar production, consider implementing the following measures:
1. Regular cleaning: Establish a routine cleaning schedule for the solar panels to remove salt deposits and dust accumulation. This can be done using specialized cleaning solutions and soft brushes to avoid damaging the panels.
2. Protective coatings: Apply anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings to the panels to reduce salt and dust adhesion and improve overall efficiency.
3. Monitoring systems: Install real-time monitoring systems to detect any sudden drops in performance, allowing for prompt identification and resolution of issues related to environmental factors.
By implementing these preventative measures, solar installations in Preveza can maintain high levels of efficiency and maximize energy production throughout the year, taking full advantage of the region's favorable solar conditions.
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 Preveza
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.9465, Longitude: 20.7523 (Preveza, 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 33° South in Preveza, Greece
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Preveza, Greece (Lat/Long 38.9465, 20.7523) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Preveza, 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 Preveza, Greece. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 43° 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 Preveza, 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 Preveza, 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 Preveza, Greece
Preveza, located in northwestern Greece, is situated in a diverse topographical region. The city itself lies on a peninsula at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, where it meets the Ionian Sea. The surrounding landscape is characterized by a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and nearby mountains.
To the east of Preveza, the terrain is relatively flat, with low-lying coastal plains extending inland. This area gradually transitions into gently rolling hills as you move further east and northeast. The Louros River valley, which runs north-south to the east of Preveza, creates a fertile alluvial plain that has been used for agriculture for centuries.
To the north and northwest, the landscape becomes more rugged, with the Zalongo mountains rising up from the coastal areas. These mountains, while not extremely high, provide a stark contrast to the flatter regions near the coast. The slopes of these mountains are often covered in Mediterranean scrub and forest.
The western side of Preveza faces the Ionian Sea, with long stretches of sandy beaches and occasional rocky outcrops. The coastline here is generally low-lying, with some areas of wetlands and lagoons, particularly to the southwest.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the flatter regions to the east and northeast of Preveza. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- The relatively flat terrain makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective.
- There is less shadowing from nearby mountains or hills, allowing for maximum sun exposure throughout the day.
- The agricultural plains in this area are already cleared of dense vegetation, reducing the environmental impact of solar installations.
- The region receives ample sunshine, typical of the Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for solar energy production.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to balance energy production with the preservation of valuable agricultural land and natural habitats. Additionally, detailed site-specific studies would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations, taking into account factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and environmental considerations.
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 30th 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.
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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.
