Solar PV Analysis of Spata, Greece
Spata, Attica, Greece, located at 37.9723°N, 23.9135°E, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
Solar energy output at this location varies significantly across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 8.19 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 6.39 kWh daily. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.13 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.88 kWh daily.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal changes on solar energy generation in Spata. However, the relatively high output during spring and summer months compensates for the reduced winter production, making this location suitable for year-round solar energy harvesting.
Optimal Panel Placement
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Spata, Attica, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 32 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Spata generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Dust and pollen: Greece's dry climate can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.
- Occasional heatwaves: Extreme temperatures during summer heatwaves might slightly decrease panel efficiency. Ensuring proper ventilation during installation can help manage this concern.
Despite these minor challenges, Spata's location remains highly suitable for solar PV installations. With proper planning and maintenance, these environmental factors can be effectively managed to ensure optimal energy production throughout the year.
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 Spata
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.9723, Longitude: 23.9135 (Spata, 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 Spata, Greece
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Spata, Greece (Lat/Long 37.9723, 23.9135) 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 Spata, 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 Spata, 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 Spata, 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 Spata, 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 Spata, Greece
The area around Spata, Greece, located at approximately 37.9723°N latitude and 23.9135°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse topography typical of the Attica region. Spata sits on a relatively flat plain that gently rises as you move eastward towards the coast. This plain is part of the Mesogeia region, known for its agricultural land and mild slopes.
To the north and west of Spata, the terrain becomes more hilly, with elevations gradually increasing. These hills are part of the foothills of Mount Pentelicus, a mountain range famous for its marble quarries. The landscape in this direction features a mix of gentle slopes and steeper inclines, creating a rolling terrain.
South of Spata, the land remains relatively flat for several kilometers before it starts to rise again towards the Hymettus mountain range. This southern area is dotted with small hills and shallow valleys, creating a slightly undulating landscape.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat plains to the east and southeast of Spata offer promising potential. These areas combine several favorable factors for solar energy production:
- Flat terrain, which simplifies construction and minimizes earthwork costs
- Open spaces with fewer obstructions, reducing shading issues
- Proximity to existing infrastructure, including the nearby Athens International Airport
- Good solar irradiance levels typical of the Mediterranean climate
The gently sloping areas to the south of Spata could also be suitable for solar PV installations. These locations might offer a good balance between land availability and optimal sun exposure, as slight south-facing slopes can improve the efficiency of solar panels in the Northern Hemisphere.
It's important to note that while the topography is favorable in many areas around Spata for solar PV, other factors such as land use regulations, environmental considerations, and grid connection capabilities would need to be assessed for any large-scale solar project. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid areas of significant agricultural importance or ecological sensitivity.
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: Wednesday 18th 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
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