Solar PV Analysis of Struga, North Macedonia
The location at Struga, North Macedonia is moderately suitable for generating energy via solar panels throughout the year. The amount of electricity that can be produced varies by season. In the summer, each kilowatt of installed solar power can produce around 7.48 kilowatt-hours per day; in autumn, it drops to about 3.46 kilowatt-hours per day; in winter, it's even lower at approximately 2.06 kilowatt-hours per day; but then it rises again in spring to about 5.24 kilowatt-hours per day.
This means that the best time to generate solar energy at this location would be during the summer months when sunlight is most abundant. However, decent amounts of power can still be generated during spring and autumn while winter would have the least output.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 34 degrees towards south would maximize total year-round production from solar photovoltaics (PV). This tilt angle allows for optimal exposure to sunlight throughout various times of year.
As for potential obstacles impeding solar production in Struga – there could be several environmental or local factors such as weather conditions and topography which may affect efficiency.
Struga experiences a mix of Mediterranean and continental climates with relatively wet winters which could reduce sunlight exposure on some days due to cloud cover or precipitation (rain or snow). Moreover, Struga is surrounded by mountains which might cast shadows on certain areas depending on their orientation relative to sun's path across sky.
To overcome these challenges:
1) Panels should ideally be installed where they won't get shaded by mountains or buildings especially during peak sunshine hours.
2) Panels should also have a good drainage system so rainwater/snow doesn't accumulate & block sunlight.
3) Using more efficient types of PV cells like monocrystalline silicon could help compensate for periods with less sun.
4) Regular maintenance to clean panels and remove any debris or snow can help ensure optimal performance.
Overall, while Struga isn't the most ideal location for solar power generation due to its seasonal variations in sunlight and potential weather-related challenges, it's still a viable option with proper installation techniques and maintenance.
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 Struga
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.1746, Longitude: 20.6782 (Struga, 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 34° South in Struga, North Macedonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Struga, North Macedonia (Lat/Long 41.1746, 20.6782) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Struga, 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 Struga, North Macedonia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 33° 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 Struga, 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 Struga, 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 Struga, North Macedonia
Struga is located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Albania. The area around Struga is characterized by a combination of flat plains and hilly terrains, with the town itself situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid. To the east are the Jablanica Mountains, while to the west across Lake Ohrid are more hilly terrains leading up to higher mountain ranges.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are generally preferred as they require less groundwork and can accommodate more panels per unit area. Therefore, areas such as plains or valleys would be most suitable for this purpose.
The climate in Struga also plays a role in determining suitability for solar power generation. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, which could potentially make it suitable for solar power generation due to ample sunlight throughout much of the year.
However, it's important to note that various other factors should also be considered when assessing an area's suitability for large-scale solar PV installations - these include local regulations regarding land use and renewable energy projects; proximity to existing power grids; potential environmental impact; among others.
Therefore a detailed feasibility study incorporating all these factors would need to be conducted before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about specific sites' suitability for large-scale solar PV installations around Struga.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 21st of February 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.
