Solar PV Analysis of Volla, Italy
Volla, Campania, Italy, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations 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 Volla, Campania, with an impressive daily output of 7.74 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.15 kWh/day. However, the cooler months see a substantial drop in production, with autumn yielding 3.65 kWh/day and winter only managing 2.42 kWh/day.
This stark contrast between seasons suggests that while Volla can be highly productive for solar energy during the warmer months, it faces challenges during the colder part of the year. The location's potential is particularly strong from late spring through early autumn, making it an attractive option for supplementing energy needs during peak demand periods, such as when air conditioning use is high.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Volla, Campania, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude and longitude.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Volla's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact efficiency:
- Occasional haze or air pollution from nearby urban areas might slightly reduce solar irradiance.
- Seasonal weather patterns, including increased cloud cover and potential for fog during autumn and winter months, could further diminish solar output during these already less productive periods.
To mitigate these issues, several preventative measures can be taken during solar installation:
- Utilize high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to prevent dust and pollutant buildup on panels.
- Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during the less productive months.
In conclusion, while Volla's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, it offers excellent potential during the warmer seasons. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, a solar PV system in this area can provide significant energy output, especially from spring through autumn.
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 Volla
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.8758, Longitude: 14.3499 (Volla, 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 Volla, Italy
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Volla, Italy (Lat/Long 40.8758, 14.3499) 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 Volla, 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 Volla, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° 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 Volla, 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 Volla, 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 Volla, Italy
The area around Volla, Italy, which is located near Naples in the Campania region, has a diverse and interesting topography. Volla itself is situated in a relatively flat area known as the Campanian Plain, which is a fertile lowland region.
To the east of Volla, the terrain gradually rises towards the Apennine Mountains. This transition creates a series of rolling hills and gentle slopes that characterize much of the nearby landscape. These hills become more pronounced as you move further east, eventually giving way to the more rugged mountain terrain.
To the west and southwest of Volla, the land remains relatively flat as it approaches the Gulf of Naples. This coastal area is dominated by urban development, including the sprawling city of Naples itself. The famous Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano, looms to the southeast of Volla, creating a dramatic backdrop to the otherwise gently undulating landscape.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would typically be:
- The flatter areas of the Campanian Plain to the north and northeast of Volla. These areas offer large, open spaces with minimal shading from geographical features, which is ideal for solar panel placement.
- The gently sloping hillsides to the east of Volla, particularly those facing south or southwest. These areas can provide good sun exposure throughout the day and may have less competition for land use compared to the more densely populated coastal regions.
- Any available open spaces in the industrial or commercial zones around Volla and its neighboring towns. These areas often have large, flat rooftops that could be utilized for solar installations without requiring additional land.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as local regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account for any large-scale solar PV project. Additionally, care would need to be taken to avoid any historically or agriculturally significant lands, which are common in this region of 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: Monday 12th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 12th of August 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.
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.
