Sassari, Sardinia, Italy, located at 40.7243° N, 8.5588° E, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this Mediterranean city experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Sassari fluctuates significantly between seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 7.76 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.14 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop to 3.84 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.44 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Sassari is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and clearer skies during this period contribute to the higher energy yields.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Sassari, Sardinia, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 34 degrees facing south. This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental Considerations

While Sassari generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

1. Dust and pollen: Sassari's Mediterranean climate can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.
2. Coastal proximity: The city's relative closeness to the sea may expose solar installations to salt spray, which can corrode equipment over time. Using corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings can help prevent damage.

To ensure optimal performance, it's advisable to implement a routine maintenance schedule and consider installing panels with self-cleaning technologies. Additionally, choosing high-quality, weather-resistant equipment can help maximize energy production and extend the lifespan of the solar installation in Sassari's unique environmental conditions.

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 Sassari

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.7243, Longitude: 8.5588 (Sassari, 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 34° South in Sassari, Italy

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sassari, Italy (Lat/Long 40.7243, 8.5588) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Sassari, 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 Sassari, Italy. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
24° South in Summer	44° South in Autumn	55° South in Winter	33° 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 Sassari, 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 Sassari, 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 Sassari, Italy

The landscape surrounding Sassari, Italy, is diverse and picturesque, characterized by a mix of rolling hills, fertile plains, and coastal areas. Located in the northwestern part of Sardinia, Sassari sits at an elevation of about 225 meters above sea level. The city is nestled in a natural amphitheater, with gentle slopes rising around it. To the west of Sassari, the terrain gradually descends towards the Gulf of Asinara, where the coastline features beautiful beaches and rocky cliffs. This area is known as the Riviera del Corallo, famous for its clear waters and coral reefs. The coastal plains near Porto Torres, about 20 kilometers north of Sassari, offer relatively flat terrain. Heading east from Sassari, the landscape becomes more rugged and hilly. The Logudoro region, which encompasses much of the area around Sassari, is known for its undulating countryside dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and cork oak forests. These hills gradually rise towards the interior of the island, where they merge with the more mountainous central regions of Sardinia. To the south, the terrain opens up into the Campidano di Sassari, a fertile plain that stretches towards Alghero. This area is primarily used for agriculture, with its flat expanses and rich soil supporting various crops.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Sassari, several factors come into play, including terrain, sunlight exposure, and land availability. The most suitable areas for such projects would likely be: The Campidano di Sassari, south of the city, offers ideal conditions for solar PV installations. Its flat terrain and open spaces provide ample room for large arrays of solar panels. The area receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, and the lack of significant geographical obstacles ensures minimal shading. The coastal plains near Porto Torres could also be suitable for solar energy projects. These areas benefit from their proximity to existing infrastructure and the port, which could facilitate the transportation of equipment. The relatively flat landscape and good sun exposure make this region attractive for solar development. Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the east and southeast of Sassari might also be considered for solar installations. While not as ideal as flat terrain, south-facing slopes can be effectively utilized for solar panels, potentially capturing more direct sunlight throughout the day. It's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to balance energy production potential with environmental and agricultural considerations, as much of the land around Sassari is used for farming or is part of protected natural areas. Careful planning and environmental impact assessments would be necessary to ensure sustainable development of solar resources in this beautiful and diverse region.

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.