Solar PV Analysis of Iasi, Romania
The location in Iasi, Iași County, Romania is moderately suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. The effectiveness of solar PV systems can vary significantly throughout the year due to changes in daylight hours and weather conditions.
In summer, the potential solar energy production is highest at 6.33 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of installed solar power. This means that during summer months when days are long and sunny, a lot of electricity can be generated from sunlight.
In autumn and spring, the potential solar energy production decreases to 3.06 kWh/day and 4.64 kWh/day respectively because these seasons have fewer daylight hours and potentially more cloud cover compared to summer.
Winter has the least potential for solar energy production at only 1.39 kWh/day due to short days and likely cloudy or snowy weather.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 40 degrees facing south would maximize total year-round production from the PV system because this angle would allow panels to capture most sunlight throughout different times of day and seasons.
However, there might be factors that could hinder solar production in Iasi such as environmental conditions like heavy snowfall in winter which could cover up panels reducing their effectiveness or local topography like tall buildings or trees that could block sunlight reaching panels.
To counteract these issues:
1) Snow: Solar panels should be cleaned regularly especially after heavy snowfall so they can continue absorbing sunlight efficiently.
2) Shadows: Before installing a PV system careful planning should take place to ensure it's not placed where shadows from nearby structures or trees will fall on it especially during peak sun hours.
3) Angle: Adjusting the tilt angle seasonally instead of having fixed tilt might help increase overall annual output by capturing more sun during low sun elevation periods (winter).
4) Equipment: Using high-quality equipment that performs well under different weather conditions can also help ensure greater energy production.
In conclusion, while Iasi is not the most ideal location for solar PV due to its seasonal variations in sunlight availability, it is still possible to generate a decent amount of electricity especially during summer. With proper installation and maintenance practices, solar PV can be a viable source of renewable energy in this region.
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 Iasi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.1672, Longitude: 27.6083 (Iasi, 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 40° South in Iasi, Romania
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Iasi, Romania (Lat/Long 47.1672, 27.6083) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Iasi, 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 Iasi, Romania. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31° South in Summer | 51° South in Autumn | 61° South in Winter | 39° 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 Iasi, 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 Iasi, 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 Iasi, Romania
Iasi, Romania is located in the northeastern part of the country and is surrounded by rolling hills and plateaus. The region is part of the Moldavian Plateau which is characterized by its gentle slopes and low altitude relative to other regions in Romania.
The topography around Iasi does not present significant barriers to the installation of large-scale solar PV systems. However, there are several factors that need to be considered when choosing a location for such a system.
1. Land availability: Large-scale solar PV systems require significant amounts of land. Areas with minimal development or agricultural activity may be most suited for this purpose.
2. Proximity to power grid: The generated electricity needs to be transmitted through the power grid, so locations close to existing infrastructure would reduce costs associated with transmission lines' construction.
3. Environmental impact: Locations should also be chosen based on their potential environmental impact - avoiding areas with high biodiversity or protected natural sites.
Considering these factors, areas south and east from Iasi such as Tibanesti or Plugari could potentially suit large-scale solar PV installations due their relatively flat terrain, proximity to existing infrastructure (roads, electrical grid), while still being less densely populated.
However, an extensive study including all these aspects plus local regulations should always precede any decision about installing a large scale solar farm.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 11th of January 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
