Masate, Lombardy, Italy, situated at coordinates 45.5654, 9.4651, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Masate varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.75 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.40 kWh daily. However, autumn and winter see a substantial drop in output, with 3.12 kWh and 1.85 kWh per day, respectively.

These figures indicate that Masate's location is particularly favorable for solar energy generation during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Masate, Lombardy, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 39 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Masate's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact efficiency:

• Winter fog and cloud cover: The Po Valley, where Masate is located, is prone to fog and low clouds during winter months, which can significantly reduce solar output.
• Snow accumulation: Although not frequent, occasional snowfall could temporarily decrease panel efficiency if not promptly removed.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding and use anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially during winter, can help maintain optimal performance.

In conclusion, while Masate's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it offers excellent potential during the warmer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a viable and efficient source of renewable energy in this Italian town.

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 Masate

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.5654, Longitude: 9.4651 (Masate, 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 39° South in Masate, Italy

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Masate, Italy (Lat/Long 45.5654, 9.4651) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Masate, 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 Masate, Italy. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
29° South in Summer	49° South in Autumn	60° South in Winter	38° 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 Masate, 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 Masate, 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 Masate, Italy

The topography around Masate, Italy, located at coordinates 45.5654°N, 9.4651°E, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and flat plains typical of the Lombardy region. Masate itself is situated in a relatively flat area, part of the Po Valley, which is known for its fertile agricultural lands. The surrounding landscape gradually transitions from the flatlands near the town to more undulating terrain as you move towards the foothills of the Alps to the north. To the east and south of Masate, the land remains predominantly flat, with occasional slight elevations. This area is part of the expansive Po Plain, which stretches across much of northern Italy. The terrain here is crisscrossed by numerous small rivers and irrigation canals, testament to the region's long history of agriculture. As you move westward from Masate, the landscape becomes slightly more varied, with low hills beginning to appear. These hills are generally gentle in slope and rarely exceed a few hundred meters in height. They form part of the transition zone between the flat Po Valley and the more dramatic Alpine foothills further to the north and west.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Masate that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal conflict with existing land uses or natural habitats. The flat agricultural lands to the east and south of Masate present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas benefit from expansive, unobstructed spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. The lack of significant elevation changes would simplify installation and reduce construction costs. However, it's important to balance energy production with the preservation of valuable agricultural land. Some of the low hills to the west of Masate could also be suitable for solar installations, particularly south-facing slopes. These areas might offer slightly higher solar radiation due to their elevated position and orientation. Additionally, using hillsides for solar farms could potentially leave more fertile valley floors available for agriculture. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar development would need to consider local regulations, grid connection capabilities, and environmental impact assessments. The proximity to urban areas like Milan might provide advantages in terms of energy distribution, but it could also present challenges related to land availability and zoning restrictions.

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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.