Solar PV Analysis of Piran, Slovenia
Piran, Slovenia, situated at 45.4742° N, 13.6189° E in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This coastal town experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar PV output, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The location's solar energy potential varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 7.08 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.46 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 3.29 kWh/day, while winter performance is notably low at 1.72 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Piran is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. However, the substantial decrease in output during winter months suggests that relying solely on solar power year-round may be challenging without supplementary energy sources or storage solutions.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Piran, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 38 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 Piran's coastal location offers good solar potential, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Salt spray from the Adriatic Sea may accelerate corrosion of solar equipment.
- Occasional strong winds, particularly the Bora, could potentially damage improperly secured panels.
To mitigate these issues, installers should use corrosion-resistant materials and ensure robust mounting systems. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help maintain optimal performance in this coastal environment.
Despite these challenges, Piran's location remains generally favorable for solar PV installations, especially when proper precautions are taken. The town's Mediterranean climate, characterized by abundant sunshine, particularly in summer, makes it a promising site for solar energy generation, although supplementary power sources may be necessary during the less productive winter months.
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 57 locations across Slovenia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Slovenia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Piran
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.4742, Longitude: 13.6189 (Piran, Slovenia), 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 38° South in Piran, Slovenia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Piran, Slovenia (Lat/Long 45.4742, 13.6189) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Piran, Slovenia
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 Piran, Slovenia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29° South in Summer | 49° South in Autumn | 59° South in Winter | 38° 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 Piran, Slovenia
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 Piran, Slovenia.
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 Piran, Slovenia
The topography around Piran, Slovenia is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal areas to hilly terrain. Piran itself is situated on a small peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, with the town's historic center perched on a picturesque promontory.
Immediately surrounding Piran, the land is relatively flat along the narrow coastal strip. This area is known as the Slovenian Istria, which features a mix of urban development, agricultural land, and some low-lying hills. As you move inland from the coast, the terrain becomes more varied and elevated.
To the east and northeast of Piran, the landscape gradually rises into rolling hills and plateaus. These areas are part of the Šavrini Hills, which are characterized by gentle slopes, small valleys, and scattered settlements. The hills are typically covered with a mix of forests, vineyards, and olive groves, reflecting the region's Mediterranean climate.
Further inland, the terrain becomes more rugged and mountainous as it transitions into the Karst region. This area is known for its limestone formations, underground caves, and distinctive geological features. However, these higher elevations are generally farther from Piran itself.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, and minimal environmental or cultural constraints.
The coastal plains and lower hills of the Slovenian Istria, particularly to the southeast of Piran, could potentially be suitable for solar PV development. These areas often have good sun exposure and more open spaces compared to the densely populated coastal towns.
Some of the gentler slopes and plateaus in the Šavrini Hills might also be considered for solar installations. These elevated areas could benefit from reduced shadowing effects and potentially higher solar radiation. However, care would need to be taken to balance energy production with the preservation of the region's picturesque landscapes and agricultural heritage.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned to minimize impact on the region's tourism industry, protect valuable agricultural land, and preserve the natural beauty that makes this part of Slovenia so attractive. Environmental assessments and community consultations would be crucial in identifying the most appropriate sites for such projects.
Slovenia solar PV Stats as a country
Slovenia ranks 60th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 367 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Slovenia is generating 175 Watts from solar PV per capita (Slovenia ranks 28th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Slovenia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Slovenia. The Slovenian 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 government has set up a number of programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Slovenia? 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: Sunday 25th of August 2024
Last Updated: Sunday 25th of August 2024
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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.
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