Solar PV Analysis of Jelgava, Latvia
The location of Jelgava, Latvia is moderately ideal for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar varies greatly depending on the season.
During summer, you can expect to generate about 5.95 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels. This means that summer is the best time for producing solar energy in Jelgava due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
In autumn, this drops significantly to around 1.97 kWh/day per kW because there are fewer daylight hours and less intense sunlight as compared to summer.
Winter sees a further drop in production with an average output of only 0.82 kWh/day per kW due mainly to short days and often cloudy or snowy weather which blocks sunlight.
Spring sees a significant increase again with around 4.09 kWh/day per kW, as daylight hours begin increasing again towards summer levels.
To maximize total year-round production from your solar PV system at this location, it's recommended that you tilt your panels at an angle of 47 degrees facing southwards so they capture maximum possible sunlight over course of the year.
There could be some environmental or local factors impacting your ability to generate power using a Solar PV system here though:
Latvia experiences long winters with heavy snowfall which can cover up your panels reducing their efficiency significantly during these months; regular maintenance will be required during winter months including clearing off any snow build-up on panels regularly.
Also Latvia has quite many cloudy days especially outside summertime potentially reducing overall efficiency; unfortunately there isn't much one can do about this other than ensuring proper installation positioning & angle maximising exposure when sun does shine through clouds.
Furthermore trees or nearby buildings could cast shadows onto your panels if not properly positioned; careful planning should be done prior to installation to avoid such obstacles.
Overall, while Jelgava, Latvia is not the most ideal location for solar PV due to its long winters and many cloudy days, it can still generate reasonable amounts of energy especially in summer and spring months. Proper planning and maintenance can help ensure greater efficiency of your system.
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 Jelgava
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.6477, Longitude: 23.723 (Jelgava, 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 47° South in Jelgava, Latvia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jelgava, Latvia (Lat/Long 56.6477, 23.723) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Jelgava, 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 Jelgava, Latvia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° 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 | 59° South in Autumn | 69° 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 Jelgava, 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 Jelgava, Latvia.
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 Jelgava, Latvia
Jelgava, Latvia is located in the central part of the country and is characterized by flat terrain, with an average elevation of around 20 meters above sea level. The area is largely composed of plains and low-lying areas, with a few small hills scattered throughout. It's crossed by several rivers including Lielupe River.
As for solar PV potential, it would be best suited for flat open spaces that receive plenty of sunlight throughout the year. Given Jelgava's topography, large-scale solar installations could potentially be established on unused agricultural lands or other open spaces around the city.
However, it should also be noted that Latvia's climate isn't particularly sunny compared to more southern European countries. The country has a temperate seasonal climate which includes relatively cold winters. This means that while solar power can certainly contribute to its energy mix, its effectiveness may vary seasonally.
Moreover, any large-scale project needs to consider local environmental impacts (e.g., impact on wildlife) and regulatory constraints as well before proceeding with installation.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 20th of March 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
