Aviano, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers moderate to good conditions for solar energy generation throughout most of the year, though with significant seasonal variation typical of its latitude.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location shows a clear seasonal pattern. Summer provides the strongest performance at 6.14 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it the ideal time for solar generation. Spring follows as the second-best season with 4.66 kWh per day per kW, offering excellent energy production as daylight hours increase. Autumn sees a notable decline to 3.13 kWh per day per kW, while winter presents the most challenging conditions with only 1.92 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. This winter performance, while modest, is still sufficient to provide meaningful energy contribution during the coldest months. For optimal year-round energy production, solar panels at this location should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's varying elevation throughout the year.

Local Factors Affecting Solar Production

Several environmental and weather factors in the Aviano region can impact solar panel performance:

• Alpine weather patterns: The proximity to the Alps can create unpredictable weather conditions, including sudden cloud formation and precipitation that reduces solar irradiance
• Fog and humidity: The area's location in northern Italy's Po Valley region can experience morning fog and high humidity, particularly during autumn and winter months
• Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels and significantly reduce energy production during the coldest months
• Dust and pollen: Spring and summer months may bring increased pollen and dust that can coat panel surfaces

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies can be employed: Panel positioning should prioritize easy snow removal access, and steeper mounting angles can help snow slide off naturally. Installing panels with adequate spacing allows for proper air circulation and easier maintenance access. Regular cleaning schedules become particularly important during high pollen seasons in spring and after dust storms. Anti-soiling coatings on panels can reduce the frequency of required cleaning while maintaining optimal light transmission. For winter performance, ensuring panels remain unobstructed by snow through accessible installation design or automated snow removal systems can maintain energy production during the season when output is already at its lowest. Proper drainage around panel installations prevents water accumulation that could lead to increased humidity and potential equipment issues. Quality inverters and electrical components rated for the local climate conditions ensure reliable operation through temperature and humidity variations.

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 338 locations across Italy. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Italy by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.072, Longitude: 12.5989 (Aviano, Italy), 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 Aviano, Italy

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aviano, Italy (Lat/Long 46.072, 12.5989) 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 Aviano, Italy

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 Aviano, Italy. 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	49° South in Autumn	60° South in Winter	39° 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 Aviano, Italy

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 Aviano, Italy.

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 Aviano, Italy

Topographical Features Around Aviano

Aviano sits in the northeastern region of Italy, positioned within the foothills of the Carnic Alps in the province of Pordenone. The landscape around this area is characterized by a transitional zone between the flat Venetian Plain to the south and the dramatic Alpine peaks to the north. The terrain gradually rises from relatively flat agricultural land at lower elevations toward more pronounced hills and mountain slopes as one moves northward into the pre-Alpine region.

The immediate vicinity of Aviano features rolling hills with moderate slopes, interspersed with valleys that have been carved by centuries of water flow from the mountains above. These hills typically range from gentle undulations to more pronounced ridges, creating a varied topographical pattern that offers both challenges and opportunities for large-scale development projects. The area benefits from good drainage due to its elevated position relative to the plains below, while still maintaining accessibility for construction and maintenance activities.

To the south and southwest of Aviano, the landscape flattens considerably as it approaches the broader Friuli plain. This transition zone offers some of the most promising terrain for extensive solar installations, as the land becomes increasingly level while still maintaining sufficient elevation to avoid potential flooding issues. The agricultural fields in this direction are typically large and open, with fewer natural obstacles such as dense forests or steep slopes.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for substantial solar photovoltaic installations would be found primarily in the southern and southwestern directions from Aviano. These areas offer the ideal combination of relatively flat terrain, good accessibility, and minimal shading from surrounding topographical features. The agricultural plains extending toward Pordenone provide extensive open spaces with gentle slopes that would facilitate both construction and long-term maintenance of solar arrays.

The elevated plateaus and broad valley floors in the immediate vicinity also present excellent opportunities, particularly those with southern-facing slopes that would maximize exposure throughout the day. These locations benefit from being sufficiently elevated to ensure good air circulation and drainage, while avoiding the steeper gradients found in the more mountainous terrain to the north.

Areas to the east and southeast of Aviano, where the landscape transitions from hills to plains, would also be highly suitable for solar development. The terrain in these directions tends to be more open and less fragmented by steep valleys or dense woodland, making it easier to establish large, continuous solar installations. The relatively stable geological conditions in these areas, combined with good transportation links, would support the infrastructure requirements of major solar projects.

The northern areas, while scenic, would be less appropriate for large-scale solar installations due to increasing elevation, steeper slopes, and the potential for shading from the Alpine foothills. However, some elevated southern-facing slopes in this direction could still be viable for smaller installations, provided they offer adequate access and appropriate gradient conditions.

Italy solar PV Stats as a country

Italy ranks 6th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 22,698 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 8.30% of Italy's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 8th in the world). Each year Italy is generating 381 Watts from solar PV per capita (Italy ranks 7th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Italy?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Italy. The Italian government offers a range of financial incentives and tax credits for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include the Conto Energia scheme, which provides feed-in tariffs for electricity generated from renewable sources; the Superbonus 110%, which allows businesses to deduct up to 110% of their investment in renewable energy systems from their taxes; and the Ecobonus 65%, which provides a 65% tax deduction on investments in renewable energy systems. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for grants or loans from regional governments or other organizations.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Italy? 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.