Solar PV Analysis of Talsi, Latvia
The location at Talsi, Latvia is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight into electricity. However, the effectiveness of these systems varies throughout the year due to seasonal changes in sunlight exposure.
In summer and spring, you can get a good amount of electricity from solar panels in Talsi. In particular, during summer days with about 6.19 kilowatt-hours (kWh) produced per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power capacity. Spring also has decent production rates with around 4.18 kWh/day per kW.
However, autumn and winter see a significant drop in solar energy production because there's less sunlight during these seasons compared to summer and spring. Autumn produces about 1.87 kWh/day per kW while winter only generates approximately 0.67 kWh/day per kW.
To maximize yearly output from your solar PV system at this location, it's recommended that you tilt your panels at an angle of 47 degrees facing South since this will provide the best overall exposure to the sun throughout different times of the year.
There are several factors specific to Talsi that could affect how much energy you can generate with a solar PV system:
- The region experiences relatively long winters where daylight hours are limited.
- Snow coverage could potentially block sunlight from reaching your panels.
- Frequent cloud cover or fog might decrease the amount of direct sunlight hitting your panels even further.
To overcome these challenges:
- Regularly clean off any snow or debris on your panels so they can capture as much light as possible.
- Consider installing tracking mounts that move your panels to follow the sun across the sky; this increases their exposure despite shorter daylight hours or cloudy conditions.
Remember though: while these efforts can help improve efficiency under less-than-perfect conditions, they cannot entirely compensate for periods when there isn't enough sunshine available due to local weather patterns.
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 Talsi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.248, Longitude: 22.5949 (Talsi, 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 Talsi, Latvia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Talsi, Latvia (Lat/Long 57.248, 22.5949) 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 Talsi, 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 Talsi, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40° South in Summer | 59° South in Autumn | 69° South in Winter | 49° 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 Talsi, 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 Talsi, 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 Talsi, Latvia
Talsi, Latvia is situated in a hilly region with several lakes and forests. The topography is characterized by the Talsi Hills (also known as Talsu Pauguraine), which are part of the larger High Courland Hill Ridge. The area features significant elevation changes, making it one of the most picturesque landscapes in Latvia.
When considering large-scale solar PV installations, flat and open areas are typically preferred to minimize shading and facilitate installation. Given this, while there might be potential sites within Talsi municipality itself (for example on agricultural land or other open spaces), the hilly terrain may pose some challenges for large-scale installations.
The nearby regions like Saldus or Kuldīga districts might offer more suitable conditions for large-scale solar PV due to their relatively flatter terrains compared to Talsi. However, any potential site would need a detailed assessment considering various factors such as local climate conditions (e.g., average sunlight hours), land use restrictions, proximity to power grids and roads etc.
It's also important to note that Latvia overall has lower solar irradiation compared with countries typically associated with large scale solar production like Spain or Australia. This doesn't mean that solar energy can't be produced - just that the efficiency will be lower so larger areas would be needed for comparable output.
Finally, given the high latitude of Latvia (~57 degrees North), seasonal variations in sunlight hours should also be considered: winters have very short days while summers have long ones.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 5th of May 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.
