Solar PV Analysis of Trieste, Italy
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, situated at latitude 45.6482° N and longitude 13.7747° E, offers a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This coastal city in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Trieste varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 7.08 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.46 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.29 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.72 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between summer and winter performance, with summer producing more than four times the energy of winter days. This variation underscores the importance of efficient energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal discrepancies.
Optimal Panel Positioning
For fixed panel installations in Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 39 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated considering the city's latitude, the Earth's elliptical orbit, and daily solar elevation angles, weighted by NASA's solar irradiance data.
Environmental Considerations
Trieste's location presents some challenges for solar energy production. The city is known for its strong Bora wind, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. This poses a risk to solar panel installations and may necessitate additional structural support and wind-resistant mounting systems.
Furthermore, Trieste's proximity to the Adriatic Sea exposes solar panels to salt air, which can accelerate corrosion. To mitigate this, installers should use marine-grade materials and apply protective coatings to the panels and mounting hardware.
Occasional hail storms in the region can also damage solar panels. Installing hail-resistant panels or protective covers can help prevent damage during severe weather events.
Preventative Measures
To optimize solar production in Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, consider the following measures:
- Use robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds
- Select corrosion-resistant materials and apply protective coatings
- Install hail-resistant panels or protective covers
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove salt deposits and other debris
- Consider a tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during low-output seasons
By addressing these environmental factors and implementing appropriate preventative measures, solar installations in Trieste can achieve greater energy production and longevity, making the most of the city's solar potential throughout the year.
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 Trieste
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.6482, Longitude: 13.7747 (Trieste, 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 Trieste, Italy
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Trieste, Italy (Lat/Long 45.6482, 13.7747) 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 Trieste, 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 Trieste, 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 Trieste, 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 Trieste, 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 Trieste, Italy
The topography around Trieste, Italy, is quite diverse and interesting. The city itself is nestled between the Adriatic Sea and a steep karst plateau, creating a unique landscape that transitions quickly from coastal lowlands to elevated terrain.
Trieste's immediate surroundings are characterized by a narrow strip of relatively flat land along the coast, where the city center is located. This area quickly gives way to hills that rise sharply to the east and northeast, forming part of the Karst Plateau. This plateau is a limestone region known for its rugged terrain, caves, and sinkholes.
To the northwest of Trieste, the land gradually becomes less steep, transitioning into the Friuli plain. This area features more gently rolling hills and flatlands as you move further from the city. To the south and southeast, the coastline continues with a mix of rocky shores and small beaches, punctuated by cliffs in some areas.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, a few regions stand out as potentially favorable:
The Friuli plain to the northwest of Trieste offers the most promise for large-scale solar projects. This area has more open, flat terrain that could accommodate expansive solar arrays. The gentler topography would make construction and maintenance easier, and there would likely be fewer issues with shading from nearby hills or mountains.
Some of the elevated areas on the Karst Plateau might also be suitable for solar installations, particularly if they feature relatively flat sections. These higher elevations could potentially receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, increasing energy production efficiency. However, the rugged nature of the karst landscape might present challenges for large-scale development in many areas.
It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor in siting solar PV installations, other considerations such as existing land use, proximity to power infrastructure, local regulations, and environmental impact would also play significant roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects in the region around Trieste.
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: Monday 14th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 14th of October 2024
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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.
