Solar PV Analysis of Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas, Lithuania is a fairly suitable location for generating solar power throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity varies by season: 5.93 kWh in Summer, 2.05 kWh in Autumn, 0.95 kWh in Winter, and 4.07 kWh in Spring. This indicates that solar PV systems generate the most power during summer months due to longer daylight hours compared to other seasons.
However, certain weather conditions such as heavy cloud cover or snowfall could reduce the amount of sunlight available for generating power via solar PV at this location and thus decrease the overall efficiency of a system installed there. Additionally, extreme cold temperatures during winter months may cause a decrease in efficiency due to reduced performance from components such as batteries or inverters which are affected by temperature changes.
To optimize energy production at this location, it is recommended to tilt solar panels at an angle of 46 degrees facing south. This will ensure maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
In order to mitigate potential issues caused by local factors like topography or extreme weather conditions, it is important to carefully assess site-specific characteristics before installing a solar PV system. For instance, selecting appropriate mounting structures and ensuring proper drainage can help prevent damage from heavy snowfall or strong winds. Moreover, using high-quality components designed for harsh environments can improve system performance and durability under challenging conditions.
Overall, Kaunas offers decent potential for harnessing solar energy year-round; however, careful planning and consideration of local factors are essential for maximizing energy production and ensuring long-term reliability of the 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 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 Kaunas
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.9038, Longitude: 23.8924 (Kaunas, 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 46° South in Kaunas, Lithuania
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kaunas, Lithuania (Lat/Long 54.9038, 23.8924) 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 Kaunas, 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 Kaunas, Lithuania. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38° 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 Kaunas, 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 Kaunas, 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 Kaunas, Lithuania
The topography around Kaunas, Lithuania is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Areas that are most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations would be those that have direct access to the sun and are relatively free from shading from trees or buildings. The area to the south of Kaunas near the Nemunas River Delta has a lot of open space which could be ideal for solar PV installations. Additionally, areas along the western edge of Kaunas near Žaliakalnis Hill and Šilainiai district may also provide good locations for solar PV due to their relative openness and lack of obstructions.
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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 3rd of August 2022
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.
