Solar PV Analysis of Orbassano, Italy
Orbassano, Piedmont, Italy, situated at 45.0051°N latitude and 7.5335°E longitude, presents a varied landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Orbassano follows a predictable pattern aligned with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.36 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.03 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop to 3.24 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 1.93 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the peak and trough of solar energy generation in Orbassano. The long, sunny days of summer provide ideal conditions for solar PV systems, while the short, often overcast days of winter present challenges for consistent energy production.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Orbassano, Piedmont, 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 the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Orbassano's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Winter fog: The Po Valley, where Orbassano is located, is prone to dense fog during winter months, which can significantly reduce solar radiation reaching the panels.
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can temporarily cover solar panels, impeding energy production.
To mitigate these issues, installers can implement several preventative measures. Using panels with anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings can help maximize light absorption and encourage snow to slide off more easily. Additionally, installing panels at a steeper angle than the optimal 39 degrees can facilitate natural snow shedding, albeit at a slight cost to overall annual efficiency.
In conclusion, while Orbassano experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, it remains a viable location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and preventative measures, the challenges posed by local weather conditions can be effectively managed, allowing for efficient year-round energy generation.
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 Orbassano
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.0051, Longitude: 7.5335 (Orbassano, 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 Orbassano, Italy
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Orbassano, Italy (Lat/Long 45.0051, 7.5335) 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 Orbassano, 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 Orbassano, 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 | 59° 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 Orbassano, 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 Orbassano, 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 Orbassano, Italy
The area around Orbassano, Italy, is characterized by a diverse topography that reflects its location in the Po Valley, near the foothills of the Alps. Orbassano itself sits on relatively flat terrain, typical of the Po Plain. This flat landscape extends for some distance to the east and southeast of the town.
To the west and northwest of Orbassano, the land begins to rise gently as it approaches the Alpine foothills. This transition zone features rolling hills and small valleys, creating a more varied landscape. These hills gradually increase in elevation as you move further west, eventually giving way to the more dramatic peaks of the Alps.
The nearby city of Turin, located northeast of Orbassano, also sits on the Po Plain, with the Po River running through it. The river valley contributes to the overall flatness of the immediate area.
When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Orbassano, the flat terrain of the Po Plain offers the most promise. The areas to the east and southeast of Orbassano would be particularly well-suited for such projects. These locations benefit from:
- Extensive flat land, which simplifies construction and minimizes the need for extensive land preparation
- Fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels
- Good road access for transportation of materials and maintenance
- Proximity to urban areas, potentially reducing transmission costs
However, it's important to note that the Po Valley can experience fog and haze, particularly in winter months, which might slightly reduce solar efficiency. Additionally, the use of agricultural land for solar installations would need to be carefully balanced with food production needs.
The hilly areas to the west, while less ideal for large-scale installations, could potentially accommodate smaller solar projects on south-facing slopes. These locations might be suitable for community-scale or distributed solar systems that can take advantage of the varied terrain.
Any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to consider factors such as local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and the region's historical and cultural significance. Careful planning would be required to ensure that solar developments harmonize with the existing landscape and land use patterns of this picturesque part of northern Italy.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 9th of October 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.
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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.
