Solar PV Analysis of Kalkara, Malta
Based on the given data, Kalkara in Malta is a fairly good location for generating solar energy throughout the year. The amount of electricity that can be produced from solar panels varies depending on the season. During summer, you can expect to generate around 7.96 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This reduces to about 4.21 kWh/day in autumn and even further to around 3.32 kWh/day during winter months due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity. However, it picks up again in spring with an output of about 6.65 kWh/day.
The best time for generating solar energy at this location would be during summer when sunlight is most abundant followed by spring while autumn and winter would yield lower outputs but still considerable.
To maximize your total yearly production from a fixed panel installation at this location, it's best to tilt your panels at an angle of approximately 31 degrees facing southward.
As far as potential factors that could affect solar production are concerned, Malta has a Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters which makes it generally favorable for solar power generation year-round.
However, there might be some local factors such as dust storms or heavy rainfall that could reduce sunlight exposure temporarily leading to decreased output from your panels during these times - regular cleaning will help mitigate against dust accumulation on panels which can block sunlight reaching them; while proper installation ensuring they are securely fastened will help protect them against any possible damage caused by high winds or heavy rainfall events.
Topography could also impact efficiency if there are hills or buildings casting shadows over your installation area - choosing a clear site free from obstructions will help ensure maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day thereby increasing overall efficiency of your system.
Additionally, since Malta is surrounded by sea water which causes high humidity levels especially during summer months; corrosion resistance should be taken into consideration when choosing materials for your solar panel installation to ensure longevity and continuous high performance of your system.
In conclusion, while there are some potential challenges that could affect the efficiency of a solar panel system in Kalkara, Malta, these can be effectively managed with proper planning and maintenance ensuring a good overall output throughout the year.
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 48 locations across Malta. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Malta by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Kalkara
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.8944, Longitude: 14.5357 (Kalkara, Malta), 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 31° South in Kalkara, Malta
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kalkara, Malta (Lat/Long 35.8944, 14.5357) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Kalkara, Malta
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 Kalkara, Malta. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 50° South in Winter | 28° 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 Kalkara, Malta
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 Kalkara, Malta.
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 Kalkara, Malta
Kalkara, Malta is located on the eastern coast of the island of Malta. The topography around Kalkara is largely flat or gently sloping, with some rolling hills. The area is primarily urbanized with residential areas and some patches of agricultural land.
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine year-round, making it potentially suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. However, considering the dense urban development and limited open spaces in Kalkara itself, finding a large enough area for a sizable solar PV installation could be challenging.
Nearby areas that might be more suited to large-scale solar PV include:
1. Unused agricultural lands: These could potentially be converted into solar farms if they are not currently being used for cultivation.
2. Industrial zones: Large rooftops of factories or warehouses in industrial zones can also serve as good locations for installing solar panels.
3. Offshore installations: Given Malta's island status and limited land space, offshore floating solar farms could also be an option worth exploring.
It should be noted that any plans for large-scale solar PV would need to consider various factors including environmental impact assessments, grid connectivity and local regulations regarding land use and renewable energy projects.
Malta solar PV Stats as a country
Malta ranks 73rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 196 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 6.50% of Malta's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 12th in the world). Each year Malta is generating 373 Watts from solar PV per capita (Malta ranks 8th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Malta?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Malta. The government offers a number of financial incentives and grants to encourage businesses to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include the Renewable Energy Investment Scheme (REIS), which provides up to €50,000 per project for eligible investments in renewable energy technologies; the Solar Photovoltaic Self-Consumption Scheme (SPVSCS), which provides a one-off grant of up to €20,000 per kWp installed; and the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which pays businesses for any excess electricity generated from their solar installations that is fed back into the grid.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Malta? 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: Monday 4th of March 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
