Solar PV Analysis of Bardovci, North Macedonia
The location of Bardovci, Karposh, North Macedonia, situated at latitude 42.0281 and longitude 21.366, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Bardovci peaks during the summer months, with an impressive output of 7.13 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.19 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial decrease in energy production, with 3.29 kWh/day and 2.00 kWh/day respectively.
The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round. While summer months offer excellent solar generation potential, the winter months may require supplementary energy sources or significant energy storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bardovci, Karposh, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 35 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Bardovci's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Winter snowfall: The region experiences snowfall in winter, which can potentially cover solar panels and reduce efficiency. Regular panel cleaning and the use of snow-shedding technologies can mitigate this issue.
- Air pollution: Being near the capital city Skopje, Bardovci may experience periods of increased air pollution, which can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help counteract this effect.
To enhance solar production in Bardovci, Karposh, consider implementing tracking systems for panels to follow the sun's path, using high-efficiency panels designed for varied weather conditions, and ensuring proper spacing between panel rows to minimize shading effects. Additionally, a robust cleaning and maintenance schedule will help maintain optimal performance 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 25 locations across North Macedonia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in North Macedonia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bardovci
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.0281, Longitude: 21.366 (Bardovci, North Macedonia), 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 35° South in Bardovci, North Macedonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bardovci, North Macedonia (Lat/Long 42.0281, 21.366) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Bardovci, North Macedonia
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 Bardovci, North Macedonia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Bardovci, North Macedonia
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 Bardovci, North Macedonia.
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 Bardovci, North Macedonia
The area around Bardovci, North Macedonia, is characterized by a diverse topography that combines both flat and hilly terrain. Bardovci itself is situated in the Skopje Valley, which is a relatively flat area surrounded by mountains. To the north and east of Bardovci, the land remains predominantly flat, as it's part of the broader valley floor. This area is largely used for agriculture due to its fertile soil and easy access to water from the nearby Vardar River.
As you move south and west from Bardovci, the terrain becomes more varied and hilly. The foothills of the Vodno Mountain begin to rise, creating a more rugged landscape. These hills gradually increase in elevation as they approach the main body of Vodno Mountain, which dominates the skyline to the south of Skopje. The western part of the region also sees an increase in elevation, with rolling hills that eventually lead to higher mountain ranges further west.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat terrain of the Skopje Valley offers the most promise. The areas to the north and east of Bardovci, where the land remains relatively level, would be ideal for such projects. These locations provide several advantages for solar PV development:
- Ample space for large arrays of solar panels without the need for extensive land modification
- Easy access for construction and maintenance vehicles
- Fewer shadowing issues from surrounding terrain
- Proximity to existing infrastructure, including roads and the electrical grid
However, it's important to note that much of this flat land is currently used for agriculture, which could create conflicts over land use. Any large-scale solar development would need to carefully balance energy production goals with the need to preserve valuable agricultural land.
The hilly areas to the south and west, while less ideal for expansive solar farms, could potentially accommodate smaller-scale solar installations on south-facing slopes. These locations might be suitable for distributed solar projects or smaller community-based initiatives, but they would likely be more challenging and costly to develop for large-scale operations due to the uneven terrain.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 15th of August 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
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