Solar PV Analysis of Craiova, Romania
The location at Craiova, Dolj, Romania, is fairly good for generating energy via solar photovoltaics (PV), a technology that converts sunlight into electricity. However, the effectiveness of this varies throughout the year due to seasonal changes in sunlight.
In simple terms, during summer when days are longer and there's more sun, you can expect to generate about 7.16 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. This is the ideal time for solar energy production because of the high amount of sunlight available.
In autumn and spring, you'll generate less power - about 3.15 kWh/day and 5.24 kWh/day respectively per kW installed because these seasons have shorter days and less intense sunlight compared to summer.
Winter is the least ideal time as it has not only short days but also often cloudy weather which reduces sunlight exposure even further; hence only about 1.82 kWh/day can be expected per kW installed.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting your panels at an angle of 37 degrees towards south will maximize your total year-round production from solar PV by ensuring they face towards the sun as directly as possible for most part of the year.
As far as local factors go that could affect your solar production in Craiova:
1) The city experiences moderate levels of air pollution which could potentially reduce how much sunshine reaches your panels.
2) The region also experiences occasional snowfall during winter months which can cover up panels reducing their effectiveness.
To counter these issues:
- Regular cleaning/maintenance would help keep dust or snow off your panels so they get maximum exposure to sun.
- Additionally installing automated systems that tilt or move panels to track sun’s movement across sky could help increase their efficiency especially during non-summer months when sun isn't directly overhead.
Remember though while these measures can help, they will also increase your installation and maintenance costs. So it's important to do a cost-benefit analysis before deciding on these enhancements.
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 114 locations across Romania. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Romania by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Craiova
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.318, Longitude: 23.7967 (Craiova, Romania), 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 37° South in Craiova, Romania
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Craiova, Romania (Lat/Long 44.318, 23.7967) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Craiova, Romania
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 Craiova, Romania. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 36° 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 Craiova, Romania
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 Craiova, Romania.
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 Craiova, Romania
Craiova, Romania is located in the southwestern part of the country and is characterized by a relatively flat topography with some rolling hills. The region is part of the Wallachian Plain, which is known for its fertile soil and agricultural activities. The Danube River flows to the south of Craiova and there are also several smaller rivers in the area.
The flat plains around Craiova would be well-suited for large-scale solar PV installations as they provide ample space and good sun exposure. Additionally, these areas are typically less shaded due to lower tree density compared to hilly or mountainous regions.
Moreover, Romania has a favorable solar radiation level comparable with that of countries like Spain or Italy which have substantial solar energy production. Therefore, areas such as Ghercești or Coșoveni, which are situated on flat plains near Craiova could potentially be suitable for large scale solar PV projects.
However, it's important to note that suitability for solar power also depends on other factors such as local climate conditions (amount of sunlight), land use restrictions, proximity to power grids for energy transmission etc., hence detailed feasibility studies would be required before making any decisions.
Romania solar PV Stats as a country
Romania ranks 39th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,398 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of Romania's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 24th in the world). Each year Romania is generating 74 Watts from solar PV per capita (Romania ranks 43rd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Romania?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Romania. The Romanian government offers a number of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include grants, tax deductions, and other forms of support. Additionally, the government has set up a Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RES) which provides additional funding for projects related to renewable energy sources such as solar power.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Romania? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 27th of January 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.
