Solar PV Analysis of Rakova, Slovakia
The location at Rakova, Žilina Region, Slovakia is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round, but it's not the most ideal because of its seasonal variations. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar power changes with each season.
In simple terms, a kilowatt is a measure of power and when we talk about kWh per day, we're referring to how much energy you can get out in a day from one kilowatt worth of solar panels. In this case, during the summer season, you could expect around 5.84kWh/day for every kW installed which is quite good. However, in autumn this decreases to 2.67kWh/day and even further down to just 1.16kWh/day in winter due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight.
Then as spring approaches and days start getting longer again with more sunlight intensity, the output increases back up to approximately 3.99kWh/day per kW installed.
So based on these figures it's clear that summer would be the best time for generating solar energy at this location followed by spring while winter would be least productive.
If you were installing fixed panel solar PV here then tilting them at an angle of 42 degrees towards the south would help maximise your total year-round production since it aligns better with sun’s path across sky throughout different seasons.
As far as environmental or local factors are concerned that might impede your ability to produce solar energy here - Rakova is located within mountainous terrain which means there could possibly be shading issues from nearby mountains or trees especially during mornings or late afternoons when sun is low on horizon. Also being located in Northern Temperate Zone means there could also potentially be issues related to snow coverage on panels during winters reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these potential issues careful site assessment should be carried out before installation to avoid areas of potential shading. Also, regular maintenance and cleaning of panels especially during winters can help ensure they are working at their maximum efficiency.
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 64 locations across Slovakia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Slovakia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Rakova
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.4473, Longitude: 18.7338 (Rakova, Slovakia), 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 42° South in Rakova, Slovakia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rakova, Slovakia (Lat/Long 49.4473, 18.7338) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Rakova, Slovakia
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 Rakova, Slovakia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° 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 | 52° South in Autumn | 63° South in Winter | 42° 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 Rakova, Slovakia
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 Rakova, Slovakia.
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 Rakova, Slovakia
Rakova, Slovakia is located in the northern part of the country and is characterized by a hilly terrain. The region is predominantly covered with forests and agricultural lands, with some parts having steep slopes. The highest elevation in the area reaches approximately 800 meters above sea level.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are most suitable as they allow for easier installation and maintenance while also maximizing exposure to sunlight. Areas that have minimal shading from trees or other structures would also be ideal.
In Rakova's case, the open agricultural lands could potentially be suitable for solar PV installations. However, it's important to consider factors like soil quality and land use policies before deciding on these locations. An assessment of local weather patterns would also be necessary as this area of Slovakia can experience significant cloud cover throughout the year which may affect solar energy production.
Furthermore, any large-scale project should take into account potential impacts on local ecosystems and communities to ensure sustainability and social acceptance.
Slovakia solar PV Stats as a country
Slovakia ranks 46th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 535 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 2.40% of Slovakia's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 33rd in the world). Each year Slovakia is generating 98 Watts from solar PV per capita (Slovakia ranks 39th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Slovakia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Slovakia. The Slovak government offers a range of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include grants, tax credits, and other forms of support. Additionally, the Slovak government has set up a Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RES) which provides additional funding for renewable energy projects such as solar installations.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Slovakia? 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 5th of March 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.
