Solar PV Analysis of Valmiera, Latvia
Valmiera, Latvia is in the Northern Temperate Zone. This location isn't perfect for year-round solar energy production, but it's not the worst either. The amount of electricity you can expect to get from solar panels changes with the seasons. In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar can produce about 5.96 kilowatt-hours per day, which is pretty good! But in autumn, that number drops to 1.83 kilowatt-hours per day and even lower in winter to just 0.71 kilowatt-hours per day due to less sunlight hours and intensity during these seasons. Things start looking up again in spring with around 3.89 kilowatt-hours per day.
Therefore, if you're thinking about when's the best time of year for generating solar power at this location: summer and spring are your best bets because they have longer days and more intense sunlight compared to autumn and winter.
If you're installing fixed panel solar systems at this location, tilting them at an angle of about 48 degrees towards the south will help maximize their total yearly energy production.
In terms of environmental or local factors that might affect solar production here: Valmiera experiences a temperate climate with warm summers but cold winters which could reduce efficiency during colder months due to snowfall potentially covering panels or lower light intensity levels overall during these months.
As preventative measures against these potential issues: regular maintenance like clearing snow off your panels would be beneficial as well as considering installing a tracking system so your panels can follow the sun across the sky throughout the year (although this may cost more initially). These measures should help ensure greater energy production from your installed solar systems despite some seasonal challenges faced at this 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 Valmiera
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.5377, Longitude: 25.4314 (Valmiera, 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 48° South in Valmiera, Latvia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Valmiera, Latvia (Lat/Long 57.5377, 25.4314) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Valmiera, 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 Valmiera, Latvia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° 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 | 70° 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 Valmiera, 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 Valmiera, 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 Valmiera, Latvia
Valmiera, Latvia is located in the northern part of the country and is characterized by a relatively flat topography with some gently rolling hills. The area around Valmiera is largely covered by mixed forests and agricultural land.
In terms of suitability for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, areas with high solar irradiation, flat terrain, and close proximity to existing power infrastructure would be most suitable. In the case of Valmiera, open agricultural lands could potentially be suitable for such installations. However, it's important to consider that Latvia has relatively low levels of solar irradiation compared to sunnier parts of Europe.
Furthermore, environmental impact assessments would need to be conducted before any large-scale solar project can proceed. These assessments would take into account various factors such as potential impacts on local wildlife and ecosystems.
In conclusion, while there may be potential for large-scale solar PV in areas around Valmiera due to its fairly flat terrain and open spaces from agricultural land use; aspects like lower levels of sunlight exposure compared to other regions in Europe along with necessary environmental considerations might pose challenges. It's always recommended that comprehensive feasibility studies are carried out before proceeding with any such projects.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 20th of February 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.
