Solar PV Analysis of Correggio, Italy
The location in Correggio, Italy, situated at 44.7666° N latitude and 10.7754° E longitude, presents a varied landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production, with peak performance during the summer months and significantly reduced output in winter.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 7.12 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.46 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.29 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 1.85 kWh/day.
The substantial variation between seasons highlights the importance of efficient system design and energy management strategies to maximize year-round benefits. While summer months offer abundant solar energy, winter's limited production may necessitate alternative energy sources or storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Positioning
For fixed panel installations in Correggio, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 38 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the high summer sun and lower winter sun angles.
Environmental Considerations
While Correggio's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Fog and haze: The Po Valley region, where Correggio is located, is prone to fog and haze, especially during autumn and winter. This can reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels.
- Snow: Winter snowfall, though not excessive, can temporarily cover panels and reduce efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and use anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in hazy conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance are also crucial to ensure optimal performance year-round.
In conclusion, while Correggio's location presents challenges, particularly during winter months, it remains a viable option for solar PV energy generation. With proper system design and maintenance, significant energy production can be achieved, especially from spring through 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 278 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 Correggio
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.7666, Longitude: 10.7754 (Correggio, 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 38° South in Correggio, Italy
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Correggio, Italy (Lat/Long 44.7666, 10.7754) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Correggio, 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 Correggio, Italy. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 59° South in Winter | 37° 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 Correggio, 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 Correggio, Italy.
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 Correggio, Italy
The area around Correggio, Italy, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the Po Valley region. This part of northern Italy is known for its expansive plains, which stretch out from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. The terrain in and around Correggio is predominantly level, with only slight variations in elevation.
The topography of this region is largely shaped by centuries of agricultural activity and human settlement. The land is crisscrossed by a network of small rivers, irrigation canals, and drainage ditches, which have been essential for farming in this fertile area. While there are some gentle hills and low-lying areas, the overall impression is one of a vast, open landscape with few significant natural obstacles.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the Po Valley offers numerous advantages for solar energy production. Large, open fields that are currently used for agriculture could potentially be repurposed or shared with solar farms. These areas would provide ample space for extensive arrays of solar panels without the need for significant land preparation or terracing.
Ideal locations for solar PV installations would be found in the rural areas surrounding Correggio, particularly to the north and east where the terrain remains consistently flat. These areas receive good sunlight exposure throughout the year, which is crucial for maximizing solar energy production. Additionally, the lack of tall natural features or large urban developments means there are fewer obstacles to cast shadows on the panels, ensuring optimal performance.
However, it's important to note that the Po Valley is known for its occasional fog and haze, especially during winter months. While this doesn't rule out solar energy production, it may slightly reduce efficiency compared to sunnier regions. Despite this, the overall favorable topography and the large expanses of available land make the area around Correggio a potentially suitable location for large-scale solar PV projects, provided that proper planning and environmental assessments are conducted.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 28th of July 2024
Last Updated: Sunday 28th of July 2024
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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.
