Sona, Veneto, Italy, situated at 45.4354° N, 10.8418° E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Sona, Veneto, with an impressive daily output of 6.87 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.34 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial decrease in production, with autumn yielding 3.20 kWh/day and winter dropping to a mere 1.83 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Sona'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.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

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

Environmental Considerations

While Sona's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Fog and haze: The Po Valley, where Sona is located, is prone to fog and haze, especially during autumn and winter. This can reduce solar irradiance and impact PV system efficiency.
• Snow: Winter snowfall, though not extreme, may occasionally cover solar panels, temporarily reducing their output.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to facilitate snow sliding off and use self-cleaning technologies to combat dust and haze accumulation. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the panels can help ensure optimal performance year-round.

In conclusion, while Sona's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, it remains a viable option for PV systems. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar panels can effectively harness the abundant summer and spring sunlight, contributing significantly to renewable energy generation in the region.

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 Sona

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.4354, Longitude: 10.8418 (Sona, 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:

Average 6.87kWh/day in Summer.

Average 3.20kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.83kWh/day in Winter.

Average 5.34kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 39° South in Sona, Italy

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sona, Italy (Lat/Long 45.4354, 10.8418) 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.

At Latitude: 45.4354, Longitude: 10.8418, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 39° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Sona, 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 Sona, Italy. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Sona, 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 Sona, 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 Sona, Italy

The area around Sona, Italy, located in the Veneto region, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. This part of northern Italy sits in the Po Valley, not far from the southern edge of the Alps. The landscape is a mix of gently rolling hills and flat plains, with some more pronounced elevation changes as you move towards the nearby Lake Garda to the west.

Sona itself is situated on slightly elevated ground, with the surrounding countryside featuring a patchwork of agricultural fields, vineyards, and small woodlands. The terrain gradually becomes more hilly as you move north and west towards the lake and the foothills of the Alps. To the south and east, the land tends to flatten out into the expansive Po Valley.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flatter areas to the south and east of Sona would likely be the best candidates. These locations offer several advantages for solar energy production:

1. The relatively flat terrain makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective.
2. There are fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on the panels, maximizing sunlight exposure throughout the day.
3. The open agricultural lands in the Po Valley provide ample space for large-scale installations without significant disruption to residential or protected areas.

However, it's important to note that the use of agricultural land for solar installations can be controversial and may face regulatory hurdles. Any large-scale solar project would need to carefully balance energy production goals with preserving the region's important agricultural heritage and productivity.

The hillier areas to the north and west, while potentially offering good sun exposure on south-facing slopes, would generally be less ideal for large-scale installations due to the increased complexity and cost of construction on uneven terrain. These areas are also more likely to have valuable vineyards or be closer to tourist destinations near Lake Garda, which could make development more challenging from a permitting and public acceptance standpoint.

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.

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