Daugavpils, Latvia, situated at latitude 55.8822 and longitude 26.5268, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output at this location varies dramatically across the four meteorological seasons:

• Summer: 6.02 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 1.95 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 0.92 kWh/day per kW installed
• Spring: 3.95 kWh/day per kW installed

These figures highlight the stark contrast between summer and winter production, with summer yielding over six times more energy than winter.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most ideal time for solar energy generation in Daugavpils is during the summer months, particularly from June to August. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to peak energy production. Spring and early autumn also offer reasonable solar potential, while winter months are significantly less productive due to shorter days and lower sun angles.

Panel Tilt Angle for Maximum Production

For fixed panel installations in Daugavpils, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 46 degrees facing south. This angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, compensating for the lower winter sun and higher summer sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Daugavpils: 1. Snow accumulation: The region experiences snowy winters, which can cover panels and reduce efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue. 2. Cloud cover: Daugavpils has a significant number of overcast days, particularly in autumn and winter, which can reduce solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy capture even in low-light conditions. 3. Short winter days: The extreme variation in daylight hours between summer and winter affects production. Implementing energy storage solutions can help balance this seasonal disparity.

To enhance solar energy production in Daugavpils, consider using bifacial panels to capture reflected light, implementing snow-shedding designs, and utilizing smart inverters to optimize performance under varying conditions. Despite these challenges, with proper system design and maintenance, solar PV can still be a viable part of the energy mix in this northern latitude location.

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 13 locations across Latvia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Latvia by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Daugavpils

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.8822, Longitude: 26.5268 (Daugavpils, Latvia), 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 46° South in Daugavpils, Latvia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Daugavpils, Latvia (Lat/Long 55.8822, 26.5268) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Daugavpils, Latvia

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 Daugavpils, Latvia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
39° South in Summer	58° South in Autumn	68° South in Winter	48° 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 Daugavpils, Latvia

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 Daugavpils, Latvia.

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 Daugavpils, Latvia

The area surrounding Daugavpils, Latvia, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape with gentle undulations. This region, known as the Eastern Latvian Lowland, features a mix of agricultural fields, forests, and numerous lakes and rivers. The terrain is primarily composed of glacial deposits, resulting in a mosaic of low hills, shallow valleys, and expansive plains. The Daugava River, which flows through Daugavpils, has played a significant role in shaping the local topography. Its wide valley and associated floodplains contribute to the area's diverse landscape. To the east and southeast of the city, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated, with rolling hills and scattered woodlands becoming more prominent.

Solar PV Potential

When considering areas nearby Daugavpils for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be open, relatively flat areas with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Agricultural lands to the north and northwest of Daugavpils could be potential candidates for solar farms, as these areas tend to have fewer obstructions and larger continuous plots of land. The gently sloping terrain to the south and southeast of the city might also offer promising sites for solar PV development. These areas often have a slight southern inclination, which can be advantageous for maximizing solar exposure. However, care should be taken to avoid forested areas or locations with significant natural value. It's worth noting that while the region around Daugavpils does not have the highest solar irradiation levels in Europe, advances in solar technology have made PV installations increasingly viable in such latitudes. The long summer days in this part of Latvia can partially compensate for the reduced sunlight during winter months. Any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider local environmental factors, land use regulations, and proximity to existing power infrastructure. Additionally, consultation with local authorities and environmental experts would be crucial to ensure that such developments align with regional planning and conservation efforts.

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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.