Solar PV Analysis of Qrendi, Malta
The location in Qrendi, Malta, situated at 35.8307°N latitude and 14.4578°E longitude, offers a promising setting for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Mediterranean island benefits from its position in the Northern Temperate Zone, experiencing abundant sunshine and favorable conditions for solar power production.
Seasonal Solar Output
Solar energy production at this location varies significantly across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 7.96 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.65 kWh per day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 4.21 kWh daily, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.32 kWh per day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of considering seasonal variations when planning a solar installation in Qrendi. Despite the winter dip, the location's overall annual performance remains favorable for solar energy generation.
Optimal Panel Placement
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Qrendi, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 31 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the sun's changing position across seasons.
Ideal Generation Periods
The most productive times for solar energy generation in Qrendi are during the summer months, typically from June to August, when daylight hours are longest and solar intensity is at its peak. Spring and early autumn also offer excellent conditions for solar power production. While winter months see reduced output, the mild Mediterranean climate still allows for significant energy generation compared to more northern European locations.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
There are a few environmental factors that could potentially impact solar production in Qrendi:
- Dust and salt spray: Given Malta's coastal location, salt spray and dust accumulation on panels can reduce efficiency over time.
- Occasional strong winds: While rare, strong winds could potentially damage poorly secured installations.
To mitigate these factors, regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended to remove salt and dust buildup. Additionally, ensuring robust mounting systems are used during installation can help protect against wind damage. Despite these minor considerations, Qrendi's location remains highly favorable for solar PV energy production 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 Qrendi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.8307, Longitude: 14.4578 (Qrendi, 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 Qrendi, Malta
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Qrendi, Malta (Lat/Long 35.8307, 14.4578) 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 Qrendi, 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 Qrendi, 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 Qrendi, 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 Qrendi, 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 Qrendi, Malta
The topography around Qrendi, Malta is characterized by a mix of gently rolling limestone hills and flat coastal plains. Qrendi itself sits on a plateau about 130 meters (425 feet) above sea level, with the land gradually sloping down towards the Mediterranean Sea to the southwest. The terrain in this area is generally rocky and semi-arid, with thin soil cover typical of Malta's landscape.
To the north and east of Qrendi, the land rises slightly, forming low hills and ridges. These elevations are not particularly steep or dramatic, but they do create some variation in the landscape. To the south and west, the terrain becomes flatter as it approaches the coastline, where dramatic limestone cliffs meet the sea in some areas.
The region around Qrendi features a number of characteristic Maltese landforms, including small valleys carved by seasonal water flows, known locally as "widien." These valleys often have deeper soil deposits and support more vegetation than the surrounding rocky areas.
Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
1. Flat or gently sloping terrain: The coastal plains to the south and southwest of Qrendi would be well-suited for solar PV installations. These areas offer large, open spaces with minimal shading from natural features.
2. Good sun exposure: Malta, in general, receives ample sunlight throughout the year. However, south-facing slopes in the area would be particularly advantageous for maximizing solar energy capture.
3. Minimal agricultural value: Rocky areas with thin soil cover, which are common in the region, would be preferable for solar installations as they have limited agricultural potential.
4. Away from residential areas: While Qrendi itself is a built-up area, there are less populated zones to the south and west that could potentially accommodate large-scale solar projects without significant impact on residential areas.
5. Accessibility: Areas with existing road access would be beneficial for the construction and maintenance of solar installations.
Given these considerations, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Qrendi would likely be the flatter, open spaces to the south and southwest, moving towards the coast but not directly on the scenic cliff areas. These locations would offer a good balance of favorable topography, sun exposure, and minimal conflict with other land uses.
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: Saturday 20th of July 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.
