Solar PV Analysis of Probistip, North Macedonia
The location of Probistip, Probishtip, North Macedonia, situated at 42.0045° N latitude and 22.1873° E longitude, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Probistip reaches its peak during the summer months, with an impressive average daily output of 7.11 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.07 kWh/day. However, the autumn and winter seasons see a considerable drop in energy production, with 3.28 kWh/day and 1.98 kWh/day respectively.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply during the less productive months. It also suggests that supplementary energy sources might be necessary to meet winter energy demands.
Optimal Panel Placement
For fixed panel installations in Probistip, Probishtip, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated taking into account the location's latitude, the Earth's elliptical orbit, and daily solar elevation angles, weighted by the potential daily PV output.
Environmental Considerations
While Probistip's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation during winter months can potentially reduce panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or the installation of snow guards may be necessary.
- Dust and pollen from surrounding agricultural areas might accumulate on panels, especially during dry periods. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal performance.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle than the optimal 35 degrees during winter to promote snow sliding and self-cleaning. Additionally, investing in a quality monitoring system can help detect any unexpected drops in performance due to environmental factors.
In conclusion, while Probistip's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during winter months, proper system design and maintenance can still yield satisfactory results. The strong summer and spring performance can potentially offset the reduced output during autumn and winter, making solar PV a viable energy option for this North Macedonian town.
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 Probistip
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.0045, Longitude: 22.1873 (Probistip, 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 Probistip, North Macedonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Probistip, North Macedonia (Lat/Long 42.0045, 22.1873) 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 Probistip, 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 Probistip, 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 Probistip, 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 Probistip, 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 Probistip, North Macedonia
The area around Probistip, North Macedonia, is characterized by a diverse and rugged topography typical of the Balkan region. This small town is nestled in the eastern part of the country, surrounded by a landscape that transitions from hilly terrain to more mountainous areas.
The immediate vicinity of Probistip features rolling hills and valleys, with elevations gradually increasing as you move away from the town center. To the north and east, the terrain becomes more mountainous, with peaks reaching heights of over 1,000 meters. These mountains are part of the larger Osogovo mountain range, which forms a natural border between North Macedonia and Bulgaria.
To the south and west of Probistip, the landscape is generally less steep, with gentler slopes and broader valleys. This area is characterized by a mix of agricultural land and scattered forests, interspersed with small streams and rivers that flow through the region.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good sun exposure throughout the day. Based on the topography around Probistip, the most promising areas for solar PV would likely be found in the following regions:
- The broader valleys to the south and southwest of Probistip, where the terrain is less rugged and there are larger expanses of open land.
- Elevated plateaus or mesas in the surrounding hills, which may offer unobstructed views of the sky and minimal shading from nearby mountains.
- South-facing slopes of the gentler hills in the area, which would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable for solar PV installations, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to existing power infrastructure would also need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar projects in the region.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 20th 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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