Tapolca, Veszprém megye, Hungary, situated at coordinates 46.8818, 17.4412, presents a moderate location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, with significant seasonal variations in output. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences typical European continental climate patterns that affect solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Tapolca deliver varying amounts of electricity depending on the season. During summer months, production reaches its peak at 6.79kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 4.69kWh/day, while autumn yields 3.03kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest output at just 1.68kWh/day per installed kilowatt.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production (approximately 4 times more energy in summer) indicates that this location experiences significant seasonal variability, which is typical for mid-latitude European locations.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Tapolca, Veszprém megye, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 40 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated by analyzing the sun's position throughout the year relative to this specific latitude, weighted by the potential solar energy available each day.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production at this location:

• Winter snow accumulation can cover panels and significantly reduce output during already low-production months
• Morning fog, common in this region especially in autumn and winter, may delay daily production start times
• Dust and pollen from surrounding agricultural areas can gradually reduce panel efficiency
• Occasional hailstorms in summer months pose a physical risk to panel integrity

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and optimize solar production in Tapolca, Veszprém megye, several preventative measures can be implemented:

Installing panels at the recommended 40-degree angle not only optimizes year-round production but also promotes natural snow shedding. Consider snow-removal systems for larger installations to maintain winter production. Regular cleaning schedules, particularly after pollen season and dusty periods, will maintain efficiency. High-quality tempered glass panels with hail resistance ratings appropriate for the region will provide better durability against occasional severe weather.

With proper installation and maintenance addressing these regional factors, a solar PV system in Tapolca can provide reliable, though seasonally variable, renewable energy throughout the year, with best performance from late spring through early 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 59 locations across Hungary. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Hungary by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Tapolca

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.8818, Longitude: 17.4412 (Tapolca, Hungary), 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 40° South in Tapolca, Hungary

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tapolca, Hungary (Lat/Long 46.8818, 17.4412) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Tapolca, Hungary

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 Tapolca, Hungary. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
30° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	60° South in Winter	40° 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 Tapolca, Hungary

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 Tapolca, Hungary.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Tapolca, Hungary

The landscape around Tapolca, Hungary presents a diverse topographical profile characteristic of the Transdanubian region. Situated in Veszprém County in western Hungary, Tapolca lies at the northern edge of the Balaton Uplands, a hilly region that extends along the northern shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary's largest lake. The terrain in this area features a mixture of gently rolling hills, small valleys, and flat plains. The Tapolca Basin, where the town itself is located, forms a relatively flat depression surrounded by higher terrain. To the north and west rise the volcanic formations of the Bakony Mountains, with elevations gradually increasing as one moves away from Tapolca. These mountains, part of the Transdanubian Mountains range, represent the highest terrain in the vicinity, though they are modest in height compared to more substantial mountain ranges in Europe.

Geological Features

Geologically, the region is notable for its karst formations, with the famous Tapolca Cave Lake system running beneath the town itself. The surrounding countryside contains a mixture of limestone and basalt formations, with several distinctive flat-topped basalt mountains (witness mountains) such as Szent György-hegy, Badacsony, and Csobánc dotting the landscape to the south and southwest. These unique geological features, remnants of ancient volcanic activity, rise dramatically from the otherwise gently undulating terrain. To the south of Tapolca lies Lake Balaton, whose northern shore is approximately 10 kilometers away. The land gradually slopes downward toward the lake, creating a transitional zone between the higher terrain of the Balaton Uplands and the lake basin itself.

Land Use Patterns

The current land use around Tapolca is characterized by a mixture of agricultural activities, vineyards, forests, and settlements. The fertile soils in the valleys and gentler slopes support cultivation, while steeper terrain and higher elevations tend to be forested. The volcanic hills in the region are famous for their vineyards, which produce notable Hungarian wines.

Solar PV Suitability

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas near Tapolca offer promising potential. The most suitable locations would be: The flatter agricultural lands to the north and northeast of Tapolca present the most immediate opportunity for large-scale solar development. These areas combine relatively level terrain with good solar exposure and fewer competing land uses than the valuable vineyard regions to the south. The transitional plains between Tapolca and the northern shore of Lake Balaton also offer potential, particularly in areas that are not dedicated to high-value viticulture or protected for their ecological significance. These south-facing gentle slopes receive abundant sunlight throughout the year. Some of the broader valley floors within the Balaton Uplands could accommodate solar installations, though careful site selection would be necessary to avoid areas with morning or evening shading from surrounding hills. The wider plains extending east toward Veszprém provide another option for larger solar developments, as the more extensive flat terrain there would minimize installation costs and maximize regular sun exposure. Areas to avoid would include the steeper slopes of the Bakony Mountains, the ecologically sensitive areas immediately surrounding Lake Balaton, the valuable viticultural lands on the volcanic hills, and any protected natural areas within the Balaton Uplands National Park. The moderate elevation changes in much of the suitable terrain would require some grading during installation but would not pose insurmountable engineering challenges for large-scale solar facilities. The existing road network in the region would facilitate both construction and maintenance access to potential solar sites.

Hungary solar PV Stats as a country

Hungary ranks 30th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 2,131 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Hungary is generating 218 Watts from solar PV per capita (Hungary ranks 22nd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Hungary?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Hungary. The Hungarian government offers a range of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include grants, tax credits, and other forms of support. Additionally, the government has implemented a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar energy.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Hungary? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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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.