Solar PV Analysis of Modena, Italy
The location at Modena, Italy, is decent for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) technology all year round. However, the amount of electricity that can be generated varies greatly depending on the season.
During summer, you can expect a good amount of electricity generation - around 7.12 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity. This is because the sun shines longer and more directly in summer compared to other seasons.
In autumn and spring, you can expect moderate amounts of electricity generation - around 3.29 kWh/day per kW in autumn and 5.46 kWh/day per kW in spring.
Winter has the least potential for solar power with only about 1.85 kWh/day per kW being generated due to shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight.
To maximize total year-round production from solar PV at this location, panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 38 degrees facing south. This allows them to catch as much sunlight as possible throughout the year.
As far as environmental or local factors that could hinder solar production at this location are concerned, it's important to note that Modena experiences a humid subtropical climate with cloudy or overcast days especially during winter which could reduce sunlight exposure on some days significantly impacting overall output during those periods.
Moreover, any tall buildings or trees nearby could also cast shadows on your panels reducing their efficiency so it's crucial to consider these when installing your system by either choosing a site clear from obstructions or trimming any obstructing foliage regularly.
Also remember that dust and bird droppings can accumulate on your panels over time reducing their efficiency so regular cleaning may be necessary especially if located near busy roads or areas frequented by birds respectively.
Lastly but importantly too is considering efficient heat dissipation mechanisms since high temperatures can reduce panel efficiency hence incorporating cooling systems like heat sinks might help maintain optimal temperatures especially during the hot summer months.
In conclusion, while Modena is not the most ideal location for solar energy production, with careful planning and maintenance, it's still possible to generate a significant amount of electricity from solar PV systems in this area.
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 Modena
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.6534, Longitude: 10.9231 (Modena, 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 Modena, Italy
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Modena, Italy (Lat/Long 44.6534, 10.9231) 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 Modena, 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 Modena, 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 Modena, 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 Modena, 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 Modena, Italy
Modena, Italy is located in the Po Valley region, which is known for its flat plains and fertile soil. The city itself is surrounded by agricultural fields and some small hills.
The Po Valley receives a good amount of sunlight throughout the year which makes it suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. The flat plains around Modena are particularly well-suited for this purpose as they provide ample space for the installation of solar panels.
The agricultural lands surrounding Modena could also be used for dual-purpose solar farming, where crops are grown underneath solar panels. This method not only maximizes land use but also benefits crops by reducing water evaporation and providing shade.
In addition to these, rooftops in urban areas of Modena can be utilized to install smaller scale photovoltaic systems.
However, before any installation, a detailed site assessment considering factors like sun exposure (solar irradiance), land use regulations, proximity to power grids etc., should be carried out.
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: Tuesday 27th of February 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.
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.
