Solar PV Analysis of Paola, Malta
In Paola, Malta, situated at latitude 35.875 and longitude 14.5101, the productivity of installed solar power varies seasonally. During the summer months, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar yields an average of 7.96 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day due to the longer days and more intense sunlight typical for this period. The spring season also presents favorable conditions with an average daily output of 6.65 kWh per kW.
During autumn and winter months, however, energy production decreases due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight; yielding averages of 4.21 kWh/day per kW in autumn and even lower at 3.32 kWh/day per kW in winter.
The optimal angle for fixed panel installations in Paola is a tilt towards the south at a degree of approximately 31°; this orientation maximizes exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Nonetheless, local factors can potentially impede solar production in this region. Weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain can reduce photo-voltaic efficiency by obstructing sunlight from reaching the panels directly.
To mitigate these potential challenges during installation phase, it's advisable to consider strategic placement that avoids shadow-casting structures or vegetation wherever possible; ensuring unobstructed access to direct sunlight for maximum productivity year-round.
Despite seasonal variations and potential weather-related setbacks, Paola remains a suitable location for generating solar power given its overall sunny climate throughout most parts of 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 Paola
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.875, Longitude: 14.5101 (Paola, 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 Paola, Malta
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Paola, Malta (Lat/Long 35.875, 14.5101) 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 Paola, 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 Paola, 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 Paola, 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 Paola, 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 Paola, Malta
Paola, Malta is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The topography of the surrounding area is generally flat and low-lying with some rolling hills in certain areas. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be those that are open and exposed to direct sunlight, such as rooftops and fields. Additionally, there are several nearby coastal areas that have relatively high levels of sunshine throughout the year which could also be used for solar PV installations.
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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 24th of July 2023
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.
