Solar PV Analysis of Alytus, Lithuania
Alytus, Lithuania, situated at latitude 54.4028 and longitude 24.0528, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Alytus, with an impressive average daily output of 5.77 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 3.94 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a dramatic decline in solar productivity. Autumn generates a modest 2.00 kWh/day, while winter performance drops to a mere 0.98 kWh/day.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Alytus, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the city's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar energy production in Alytus: 1. Long, dark winters: The region experiences short days and limited sunlight during winter months, significantly reducing solar output. 2. Cloud cover: Alytus has a considerable number of overcast days, particularly in autumn and winter, which can diminish solar panel efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures: 1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions. 2. Implement a robust snow removal system to prevent accumulation on panels during winter. 3. Consider a hybrid energy system that combines solar with other renewable sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round.
Conclusion
While Alytus offers excellent solar potential during summer and spring, the stark seasonal variations make it less than ideal for year-round solar energy production. However, with proper planning and technology selection, solar can still be a valuable component of the local energy mix, particularly when complemented by other energy sources during the less productive months.
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 16 locations across Lithuania. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Lithuania by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Alytus
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.4028, Longitude: 24.0528 (Alytus, Lithuania), 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 45° South in Alytus, Lithuania
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Alytus, Lithuania (Lat/Long 54.4028, 24.0528) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Alytus, Lithuania
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 Alytus, Lithuania. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 67° South in Winter | 46° 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 Alytus, Lithuania
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 Alytus, Lithuania.
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 Alytus, Lithuania
The area around Alytus, Lithuania, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of the Baltic region. The city itself is situated in the southern part of Lithuania, nestled along the Nemunas River, which is the largest river in the country. The surrounding terrain is a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and flat plains, creating a diverse but not dramatically varied topography.
To the north and east of Alytus, you'll find slightly more elevated areas with subtle hills and ridges. These higher grounds are interspersed with small lakes and forests, giving the landscape a patchwork appearance. The southern and western parts of the region tend to be flatter, with more open fields and agricultural land.
The Nemunas River valley, which runs through Alytus, has shaped much of the local topography. The river has carved a wide, meandering path through the landscape, creating fertile floodplains and occasional steep banks along its course. This river valley adds a significant feature to the otherwise modest relief of the area.
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 be relatively flat, open areas with minimal shading from trees or hills. Based on the topography around Alytus, the following areas might be most suitable:
- The flatter agricultural lands to the south and west of Alytus would likely be prime candidates. These areas often have large, unobstructed fields that could accommodate extensive solar arrays.
- Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the north and east, particularly those facing south, could also be suitable. While not as flat as the plains, these areas might offer good sun exposure throughout the day.
- Former industrial sites or brownfields near the city, if available, could be repurposed for solar installations, making efficient use of already developed land.
It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor, other considerations such as proximity to power infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental impact assessments would also play significant roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV projects in the Alytus region.
Lithuania solar PV Stats as a country
Lithuania ranks 61st in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 338 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Lithuania is generating 121 Watts from solar PV per capita (Lithuania ranks 36th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Lithuania?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Lithuania. The Lithuanian government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include grants, loans, and tax credits. Additionally, the government has set up a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power. This helps to make investing in solar energy more attractive to businesses.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Lithuania? 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: Sunday 13th of October 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.
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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.
