Solar PV Analysis of Vrhnika, Slovenia
The location at Vrhnika, Slovenia is decent for generating solar energy throughout the year, but it's not perfect. The highest amount of energy can be generated in the summer season when there is an average of 6.97 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of installed solar panels. This means that during summer months, you'll get the most bang for your buck with solar energy.
In autumn and winter, however, the amount drops significantly to 3.06 and 1.66 kWh/day respectively due to shorter days and less sunlight intensity. But things start looking up again in spring with an average production of 4.97 kWh/day.
To get the most out of your solar panels year-round at this location, they should ideally be tilted at a 39 degrees angle facing southwards as this will capture the maximum amount of sunlight over all seasons.
As far as environmental or local factors that could affect solar production in Vrhnika are concerned; Slovenia does have a diverse topography with mountains which could potentially obstruct sunlight depending on where exactly you're situated. Additionally, weather conditions such as foggy or cloudy days common in temperate zones like Slovenia could also reduce sun exposure thus affecting power generation from your panels.
However, these potential issues can be mitigated by careful planning during installation process - making sure that no nearby structures or natural features block sunlight from reaching your panels is crucial; so choosing an open space would be ideal if possible.
Furthermore installing tracking systems which adjust panel orientation following sun’s path throughout day can help maximize exposure to sunlight even on less sunny days – although this would come with additional costs and maintenance requirements.
So while Vrhnika may not provide optimal conditions for solar power generation all year round compared to some other locations closer to equator; it still offers decent potential especially during summer months – making it worthwhile considering if you’re looking into renewable energy options.
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 60 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 Vrhnika
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.9641, Longitude: 14.3008 (Vrhnika, 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 39° South in Vrhnika, Slovenia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vrhnika, Slovenia (Lat/Long 45.9641, 14.3008) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Vrhnika, 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 Vrhnika, Slovenia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° 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 | 60° 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 Vrhnika, 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 Vrhnika, 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 Vrhnika, Slovenia
Vrhnika, Slovenia is located in the southwestern part of the country and is characterized by a hilly topography. The region features a mix of forested areas, agricultural lands, and residential zones. It lies at an average altitude of around 290 meters above sea level.
The area around Vrhnika is largely hilly with some flat plains. The Ljubljana Marshes (Ljubljansko Barje), a large marshy area, lies to the east. This region has numerous small rivers and streams that flow into the Ljubljanica River.
When considering large-scale solar PV installations, there are several factors to consider such as sunlight exposure (solar irradiation), land use restrictions, proximity to power grids for transmission, environmental impact etc.
Given these considerations:
1) Open flat lands: Flat areas would be ideal for large scale solar PV installations due to less obstruction of sunlight and easier installation process. The eastern side towards Ljubljana Marshes could be suitable given its relatively flat terrain.
2) Agricultural lands: If regulations permit, converting some agricultural land into solar farms could also be an option as these are typically free from shadowing obstructions.
3) Rooftop Solar: In urban or residential areas like Vrhnika town itself or nearby Ljubljana city center installing rooftop solar panels can be considered.
4) Brownfield sites: If there are any unused industrial sites or landfills they can also be converted into solar farms which will also help in utilizing wasteland effectively without disturbing natural habitats or farmlands.
However it's important to note that each site needs individual assessment for suitability including factors like local climate conditions (annual sunshine hours), soil type for ground-mounted systems etc., regulatory landscape and potential environmental impact before proceeding with installation.
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!
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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 5th of February 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.
