Solar PV Analysis of Skopje, North Macedonia
Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, Skopje, North Macedonia (coordinates 41.9985 latitude and 21.4313 longitude) is highly suitable for photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation. In terms of seasonal performance, the average energy production per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity varies: 7.37 kWh during summer months and 5.54 kWh in spring reflect a higher level of sunlight exposure, while autumn and winter months yield lower outputs at 3.36 kWh and 2.21 kWh respectively due to shorter daylight hours.
The optimal tilt angle for fixed panel installations in this location is aligned at a southward inclination of 36 degrees to maximize sun exposure throughout the year.
However, local environmental conditions could pose challenges to consistent solar power generation in Skopje. Heavy snowfall or foggy weather can obscure sunlight penetration to panels, thereby reducing their efficiency and overall energy output.
To mitigate these potential issues when installing PV systems in this region, it would be beneficial to implement preventative measures such as regular cleaning schedules or installing protective covers over panels during periods of heavy snowfall or foggy conditions if possible.
Despite these factors that may impede consistent energy production from time-to-time throughout the year, Skopje's geographical position still makes it a viable location for generating solar power on an annual basis given its relatively high average daily sunlight hours particularly during spring and summer seasons.
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 Skopje
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.9985, Longitude: 21.4313 (Skopje, 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 36° South in Skopje, North Macedonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Skopje, North Macedonia (Lat/Long 41.9985, 21.4313) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Skopje, 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 Skopje, North Macedonia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° 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 Skopje, 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 Skopje, 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 Skopje, North Macedonia
The topography around Skopje, North Macedonia is mostly hilly and mountainous. Areas that are most suited to large-scale solar PV installations would be on the plains and flatlands in the region, such as those south of Skopje near Veles or east of Skopje near Kumanovo. These areas have relatively flat terrain with plenty of open space that could accommodate large solar arrays.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 22nd of August 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.
