Veles, North Macedonia, situated at latitude 41.7194 and longitude 21.7749, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact solar PV output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 7.37 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.54 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with outputs of 3.36 kWh/day and 2.21 kWh/day, respectively.
These figures indicate that Veles experiences a substantial solar energy potential during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. This period would be ideal for maximizing solar energy generation, with long daylight hours and generally clearer skies contributing to higher outputs.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Veles, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Veles offers good potential for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Winter months may see occasional snowfall, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended 35-degree angle can help snow slide off more easily.
- Dust and pollen: The region's climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, particularly during drier periods. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.
To address these factors, consider implementing automated cleaning systems or scheduling regular maintenance. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant panels can enhance durability and performance in varying conditions.
In conclusion, while Veles experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, proper installation and maintenance practices can help maximize energy production throughout the year, making it a viable location for solar PV systems.
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 Veles
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.7194, Longitude: 21.7749 (Veles, 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 Veles, North Macedonia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Veles, North Macedonia (Lat/Long 41.7194, 21.7749) 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 Veles, 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 Veles, 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 | 45° 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 Veles, 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 Veles, 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 Veles, North Macedonia
The topography around Veles, North Macedonia, is characterized by a mix of hilly terrain and river valleys. The city itself is situated along the Vardar River, which flows through a relatively wide valley. This valley is flanked by rolling hills and low mountains, creating a diverse landscape.
To the east and west of Veles, the terrain becomes more rugged and mountainous. These areas feature steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and forested regions. The hills and mountains surrounding Veles are part of the larger Balkan mountain range system, which extends throughout much of the country.
The Vardar River valley, running roughly north-south through Veles, provides some flatter areas along its banks. However, these flat regions are relatively narrow and often occupied by urban development or agricultural land.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found on the gentler slopes and plateaus in the surrounding hills. Ideal locations would have a southern exposure to maximize sunlight capture throughout the day. Some potential areas to consider include:
- The hilly regions to the southeast of Veles, where there are some more gradual slopes and open areas
- Elevated plateaus to the northeast, which may offer expansive, relatively flat terrain
- Some of the broader, south-facing hillsides to the west of the city
It's important to note that while the hilly terrain around Veles presents some challenges for large-scale solar installations, it also offers advantages. The varied topography can help in finding locations with optimal sun exposure and minimal shading from nearby landforms.
Any large-scale solar PV project in this area would need to carefully consider factors such as land availability, proximity to existing power infrastructure, and potential environmental impacts. Additionally, site-specific surveys would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations, taking into account local geological conditions and access to roads for construction and maintenance.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 19th of July 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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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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