Solar PV Analysis of Kumanovo, North Macedonia
Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, Kumanovo, North Macedonia is a viable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) generation. The amount of energy produced varies with each season; in summer it averages 7.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, while autumn yields an average of 3.29 kWh per kW. During winter, the output drops to approximately 2.00 kWh per kW due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight but rises again in spring to an average of 5.19 kWh per kW.
The ideal angle for fixed panel installations at this latitude is a tilt towards the south at an angle of 35 degrees; this optimizes exposure to sunlight throughout the year and maximizes energy production.
While Kumanovo's geographical position makes it suitable for solar power generation, there are certain environmental factors that could potentially hinder optimal production levels. Heavy rain or snowfall can obstruct sunlight and reduce the efficiency of solar panels by creating a physical barrier between them and direct sunlight.
To mitigate these potential impediments, regular maintenance including cleaning off accumulated snow or debris from panels can help ensure greater energy production by maintaining maximum exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, installing panels at a higher altitude if possible could mitigate issues related to heavy snowfall or foggy conditions which tend to be more prevalent at lower altitudes.
Overall though, with its long daylight hours during summer months and moderate climate throughout most parts of the year excluding winter months when heavy snowfall may occur - Kumanovo presents as a well-suited location for generating solar power year-round given appropriate measures are taken into account during installation and ongoing panel maintenance phases.
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 Kumanovo
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.1295, Longitude: 21.7181 (Kumanovo, 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 Kumanovo, North Macedonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kumanovo, North Macedonia (Lat/Long 42.1295, 21.7181) 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 Kumanovo, 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 Kumanovo, 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 Kumanovo, 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 Kumanovo, 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 Kumanovo, North Macedonia
The topography around Kumanovo is generally flat and low-lying, with some rolling hills in the surrounding area. The nearby areas that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations are those with open space, unobstructed by trees or other obstructions, and relatively flat terrain. Areas close to the city center may also be suitable if there is adequate access to power lines and infrastructure.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 20th of November 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.
