Solar PV Analysis of Gostivar, North Macedonia
The location at Gostivar, North Macedonia is suitable for generating energy via solar PV throughout the year, but with varying efficiency depending on the season. The most productive time to generate solar energy in this location is during summer when you can expect about 7.48kWh of electricity per day for each kW of installed solar. This high output is due to longer daylight hours and higher sun intensity in the summer months.
Following summer, spring comes next with an expected output of 5.24kWh/day per kW installed solar. Autumn generates less power than spring at approximately 3.46kWh/day per kW installed solar because days start getting shorter and sunlight less intense as we move towards winter.
Winter sees a significant drop in production to about 2.06 kWh/day per kW installed due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity.
To maximize total year-round production from your solar PV system at this location, it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 35 degrees facing south - this aligns them optimally with the path of the sun across all seasons.
As far as environmental or weather factors that could impede solar production here, one thing that might be significant is snowfall during winter which could cover panels reducing their effectiveness significantly. To prevent this from happening too often or being a big problem when it does happen, you should consider installing a mechanism for clearing snow off your panels regularly or use coatings that help snow slide off more easily.
Another factor might be dust accumulation on panels which reduces their efficiency over time if not cleaned regularly - so regular cleaning would also be advised as part of maintaining optimal performance from your system over time.
Lastly note that while these figures give an average idea they will vary based on specific local weather conditions any given year - some years may see more sunshine overall than others increasing output accordingly (or vice versa).
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 Gostivar
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.7913, Longitude: 20.9047 (Gostivar, 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 Gostivar, North Macedonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gostivar, North Macedonia (Lat/Long 41.7913, 20.9047) 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 Gostivar, 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 Gostivar, 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 Gostivar, 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 Gostivar, 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 Gostivar, North Macedonia
Gostivar is located in the Polog Valley of North Macedonia, surrounded by the Šar Mountains to the south and west, and hills to the east. The terrain is predominantly flat in the valley where Gostivar resides but becomes mountainous with increasing altitude towards these surrounding ranges.
The area receives a good amount of sunlight throughout most of the year due to its Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. This makes it suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
For optimal solar power generation, areas that are relatively flat and open would be best suited as they would have unobstructed exposure to sunlight throughout the day. In this regard, parts of Polog Valley could be ideal given their relative flatness compared to nearby mountainous regions.
However, several other factors also need consideration when deciding on locations for large-scale solar PV installations:
1) Proximity to Power Grid: Areas close to existing electrical infrastructure would be more cost-effective as they can easily connect with less new transmission lines needed.
2) Land Use: It's important that land chosen doesn't conflict with agricultural use or protected natural areas.
3) Local Regulations: Some regions may have restrictions on land use for renewable energy projects which must also be taken into account.
A detailed feasibility study considering all these aspects should ideally determine specific sites around Gostivar for such projects.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 21st of May 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.
