The location of Dorohoi, Botoșani County, Romania, situated at 47.9474° N, 26.4026° E, presents varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Dorohoi, Botoșani County, with an impressive daily output of 6.33 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.64 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop in production to 3.06 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.39 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial variation in solar potential across seasons, with summer producing more than four times the energy of winter. This disparity underscores the importance of efficient energy storage and grid integration to balance the fluctuating supply throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Dorohoi, Botoșani County, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 41 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Dorohoi's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency. To mitigate this, panels should be installed at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off, and regular maintenance may be necessary to clear snow manually.

2. The region experiences occasional hailstorms, which could potentially damage solar panels. Installing hail-resistant panels or protective covers can help prevent damage during severe weather events.

3. Dust and pollen accumulation, particularly in spring and summer, can decrease panel efficiency. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule or installing self-cleaning panels can help maintain optimal performance.

By addressing these factors through thoughtful installation practices and ongoing maintenance, solar energy systems in Dorohoi can achieve higher efficiency and longevity, making the most of the available solar resources throughout the year.

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 Dorohoi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.9474, Longitude: 26.4026 (Dorohoi, 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 41° South in Dorohoi, Romania

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dorohoi, Romania (Lat/Long 47.9474, 26.4026) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Dorohoi, 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 Dorohoi, Romania. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
32° South in Summer	51° South in Autumn	61° South in Winter	40° 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 Dorohoi, 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 Dorohoi, Romania.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Dorohoi, Romania

The area surrounding Dorohoi, Romania, located at approximately 47.9474°N latitude and 26.4026°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. This region, situated in the northeastern part of Romania, features a mix of gently rolling hills, expansive plateaus, and fertile valleys. The landscape is primarily shaped by the Moldavian Plateau, which extends across much of northeastern Romania. As you move outward from Dorohoi, the terrain gradually transitions from the relatively flat urban area to more undulating countryside. To the north and east, the land rises into a series of low hills, creating a patchwork of agricultural fields and small forested areas. These hills, while not particularly steep, provide subtle elevation changes that add character to the landscape. To the south and west of Dorohoi, the topography becomes slightly more pronounced, with deeper valleys carved by local rivers and streams. The Jijia River, a significant watercourse in the region, flows near Dorohoi, contributing to the area's agricultural productivity and shaping the surrounding terrain.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Dorohoi that would be most suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The gently sloping hills and plateaus to the north and east of the city present promising opportunities for solar energy development. These areas offer several advantages: Firstly, the gradual inclines of the hills provide natural south-facing slopes, which are ideal for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day. This orientation can significantly enhance the efficiency of solar panels, allowing them to capture more sunlight and generate more electricity. Secondly, the open nature of the landscape in these directions means there are fewer obstacles that could cast shadows on solar arrays. The absence of tall buildings, dense forests, or steep mountains reduces the risk of shading, which can negatively impact solar panel performance. Additionally, the agricultural character of the land surrounding Dorohoi might allow for dual-use scenarios, where solar installations could coexist with certain types of farming or grazing activities. This approach, known as agrivoltaics, could potentially maximize land use efficiency. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific assessments. Factors such as local zoning regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental impact studies would need to be carefully considered before proceeding with development. The relatively flat areas immediately surrounding Dorohoi might also be suitable, but their proximity to urban development could present challenges in terms of land availability and potential conflicts with other land uses. In conclusion, while the topography around Dorohoi offers promising potential for solar PV development, particularly in the gently sloping areas to the north and east, a comprehensive evaluation would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations for large-scale installations.

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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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.