Korolyov, Moscow Oblast, Russia, situated at 55.9158°N, 37.8263°E, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Korolyov varies dramatically across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.93 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.27 kWh/day. However, the output drops significantly during autumn (1.60 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (0.91 kWh/day).
Optimal Installation Angle
To maximize year-round solar production in Korolyov, Moscow Oblast, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 47-degree tilt angle facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Challenges and Considerations
Several environmental and weather factors can impede solar production in Korolyov:
- Long, dark winters: The city experiences short days and limited sunlight during winter months, significantly reducing solar output.
- Snow and ice accumulation: Winter precipitation can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency.
- Cloud cover: Frequent overcast conditions, especially in autumn and winter, can diminish solar energy production.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Install snow-shedding systems or use panels with hydrophobic coatings to prevent snow accumulation.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove debris and ensure optimal panel performance.
- Consider using bifacial solar panels to capture reflected light, potentially increasing energy production during overcast periods.
- Utilize high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions to maximize output during winter months.
While Korolyov's location poses challenges for year-round solar energy production, implementing these strategies can help maximize the potential of solar PV installations in the area. The significant seasonal variations underscore the importance of careful planning and system design to ensure the most efficient use of available solar resources.
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 35 locations across Russia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Russia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Korolyov
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.9158, Longitude: 37.8263 (Korolyov, Russia), 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 47° South in Korolyov, Russia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Korolyov, Russia (Lat/Long 55.9158, 37.8263) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Korolyov, Russia
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 Korolyov, Russia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39° South in Summer | 59° South in Autumn | 68° South in Winter | 48° 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 Korolyov, Russia
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 Korolyov, Russia.
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 Korolyov, Russia
Korolyov, Russia, located at coordinates 55.9158°N, 37.8263°E, is situated in a relatively flat area with subtle topographical features. The city lies within the East European Plain, which is characterized by its gently rolling terrain and low-lying landscape. The region around Korolyov is part of the Moscow Oblast, known for its modest hills, shallow valleys, and numerous small rivers and streams.
The terrain in and around Korolyov is generally uniform, with elevations ranging from about 150 to 200 meters above sea level. The area is dotted with small forests and open fields, interspersed with urban development. The nearby Klyazma River and its tributaries have carved shallow valleys through the landscape, creating subtle undulations in the otherwise flat terrain.
When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Korolyov, several factors come into play. The most promising locations would be open, relatively flat areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings. These areas should also have good access to existing infrastructure for power transmission.
Some potential areas that might be suitable for solar PV development include:
- Agricultural fields to the east and northeast of Korolyov, where there are expanses of open land with minimal topographical variation.
- Cleared areas within the forested regions to the north and northwest of the city, provided they are large enough and receive adequate sunlight.
- Former industrial sites or brownfields in the greater Moscow region that could be repurposed for solar energy production.
However, it's important to note that the Moscow Oblast, including Korolyov, is not ideal for large-scale solar PV installations due to its northern latitude and relatively low annual solar radiation. The region experiences long, dark winters and frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Additionally, the availability of land in this densely populated area may be limited.
For these reasons, while small to medium-scale solar installations might be feasible, large-scale solar PV projects would face significant challenges in terms of economic viability and energy production efficiency in the Korolyov area. Other renewable energy sources, such as wind or biomass, might be more suitable for this region given its geographical and climatic conditions.
Russia solar PV Stats as a country
Russia ranks 35th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,661 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Russia is generating 11 Watts from solar PV per capita (Russia ranks 72nd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Russia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Russia. The Russian government has implemented a number of policies and programs to encourage the development of renewable energy sources, including solar energy. These include tax breaks, subsidies, grants, and other financial incentives. Additionally, the government has established a feed-in tariff system that guarantees long-term contracts with fixed prices for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Russia? 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: Tuesday 10th of September 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.




