Algete, Spain, located at latitude 40.5932 and longitude -3.4988, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, though with significant seasonal variations. This northern Madrid suburb experiences its strongest solar production during the summer months.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panels in Algete demonstrate notable seasonal fluctuations in energy output. During summer, production peaks at an impressive 8.01kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.85kWh/day, while autumn yields a moderate 4.06kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest production at 2.45kWh/day per kW installed.

This pattern creates more than a 3-fold difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons, with summer generating over three times the electricity of winter months. The substantial drop in winter production is typical for locations in the Northern Temperate Zone.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Algete, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 35 degrees facing South. This carefully calculated angle optimizes the annual solar harvest by balancing seasonal variations in sun position throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Algete:

• Dust and pollen accumulation can be significant, particularly given the agricultural areas surrounding Algete. Regular cleaning schedules, potentially quarterly, can help maintain optimal panel efficiency.
• The region occasionally experiences hailstorms, which could potentially damage panels. Installing hail-resistant panels with tempered glass can provide protection against this risk.
• Summer temperatures in the Madrid region can reach high levels, potentially reducing panel efficiency. Ensuring adequate airflow beneath panels during installation can help mitigate this effect.

Despite these considerations, Algete's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, with abundant sunshine throughout much of the year. The most productive period spans from late spring through early autumn (May through September), making this an advantageous time for energy generation and potential grid feedback.

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 361 locations across Spain. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Spain by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Algete

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.5932, Longitude: -3.4988 (Algete, Spain), 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 35° South in Algete, Spain

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Algete, Spain (Lat/Long 40.5932, -3.4988) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Algete, Spain

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 Algete, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
24° South in Summer	45° South in Autumn	55° South in Winter	33° 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 Algete, Spain

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 Algete, Spain.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Algete, Spain

The area surrounding Algete, Spain, situated at approximately 40.5932° North latitude and 3.4988° West longitude, features a diverse topographical landscape characteristic of the central Iberian Peninsula. Algete is located in the Madrid Community, about 30 kilometers northeast of Madrid city in what is known as the Middle Henares Valley. The terrain around Algete is predominantly characterized by gently rolling hills and plateaus, with average elevations ranging between 600 to 700 meters above sea level. This area forms part of the broader Meseta Central, the elevated plateau that dominates much of central Spain. The landscape has been shaped by the Jarama River and its tributaries, which have carved shallow valleys through the otherwise relatively flat terrain.

Geographical Features

To the east and northeast of Algete, the land gradually rises toward the foothills of the Sistema Central mountain range. These areas feature more pronounced hills and occasional small mesas or table-like formations. The soil composition is primarily made up of clay, limestone, and sandstone sediments, resulting from ancient river deposits. To the west and southwest, the terrain becomes slightly more level as it extends toward the Jarama River valley. This river, a tributary of the Tagus, has created fertile alluvial plains that contrast with the drier elevated areas. The western regions also feature some gentle depressions and small wetlands during rainy seasons.

Potential for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas near Algete present favorable conditions. The most suitable locations would be the elevated plateaus to the east and southeast of Algete, where the combination of relatively flat terrain, minimal shading from geographical features, and good exposure to the sun's path create optimal conditions for solar energy capture. Specifically, the areas between Algete and Cobeña to the south, and the plateaus extending toward Valdeolmos-Alalpardo to the east offer excellent potential for solar PV development. These locations benefit from: - Minimal slope angles, reducing installation complexity and costs - Limited agricultural value in many sections, minimizing land-use conflicts - Good access to existing infrastructure and the electrical grid - Reduced risk of flooding compared to river valley locations The elevated areas northeast of Algete, extending toward El Casar, also present viable options for solar development, though some locations may require more extensive grading due to the increasing undulation of the terrain in this direction.

Topographical Considerations

When considering specific sites for solar PV installation, developers should note that while the region appears generally flat, micro-topographical features do exist. Small ravines, seasonal stream beds, and localized depressions can affect construction and drainage requirements. Additionally, the clay-heavy soil in certain areas may necessitate special foundation considerations during wet periods. The natural vegetation in undeveloped areas consists primarily of Mediterranean scrubland, with scattered oak trees and drought-resistant grasses. This vegetation is relatively sparse and low-growing, meaning minimal clearing would be required for solar installations in many locations. The overall topographical character of the Algete region, with its open plateaus and good southern exposure, makes it naturally conducive to solar energy development, particularly in the eastern and southeastern sectors where the balance of flat terrain, solar exposure, and minimal competing land uses creates an advantageous environment for large-scale photovoltaic installations.

Spain solar PV Stats as a country

Spain ranks 10th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 15,952 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 9.00% of Spain's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 6th in the world). Each year Spain is generating 237 Watts from solar PV per capita (Spain ranks 20th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Spain?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Spain. These include the following:



1. The Spanish government offers a feed-in tariff (FIT) for businesses that install solar energy systems. This FIT guarantees a fixed price per kWh of electricity generated by the system over a period of 20 years.



2. Businesses can also benefit from tax deductions and other financial incentives when installing solar energy systems in Spain.



3. Companies may be eligible for grants or subsidies from regional governments or local authorities to help cover the cost of installation and maintenance of their solar energy systems.



4. Businesses may also be able to take advantage of net metering, which allows them to sell excess electricity generated by their solar energy system back into the grid at market prices, thus reducing their overall electricity costs even further.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Spain? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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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.