Arrecife, Canary Islands, Spain, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at latitude 28.9666 and longitude -13.5543, offers a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position provides consistent sunlight, making it an attractive location for solar power installations.

The seasonal variations in solar energy production at this location are relatively moderate. Summer yields the highest output at 7.16 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 6.75 kWh/day, while autumn produces 5.14 kWh/day. Winter, although the least productive season, still generates a respectable 4.16 kWh/day.

Optimal Solar Generation Periods

The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Arrecife are during the summer months, typically from June to August, when daylight hours are longest and solar irradiance is at its peak. Spring and early autumn also offer excellent conditions for solar power production. Even during winter, the region experiences relatively mild temperatures and clear skies, allowing for continued, albeit reduced, solar energy generation.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed panel installations in Arrecife, Canary Islands, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 26 degrees facing south. This angle takes into account the city's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring efficient energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Factors

While Arrecife generally provides excellent conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Occasional dust storms from the Sahara Desert can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
2. Salt spray from the nearby Atlantic Ocean may accelerate corrosion of solar equipment.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended to remove dust and salt deposits. Additionally, using corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings on solar equipment can help extend their lifespan and maintain efficiency in this coastal environment.

Overall, Arrecife's climate and geographical location make it an excellent choice for solar PV installations, with minimal impediments to year-round energy production.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Arrecife

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 28.9666, Longitude: -13.5543 (Arrecife, 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 26° South in Arrecife, Spain

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Arrecife, Spain (Lat/Long 28.9666, -13.5543) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 26° 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 Arrecife, 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 Arrecife, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 26° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
13° South in Summer	34° South in Autumn	44° South in Winter	22° 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 Arrecife, 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 Arrecife, 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 Arrecife, Spain

Arrecife, the capital city of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Spain, is situated on the eastern coast of the island. The topography around Arrecife is characterized by a unique blend of volcanic landscapes and coastal features. The city itself is built on relatively flat terrain, with a gentle slope rising from the coastline towards the interior. The immediate surroundings of Arrecife feature a mix of urban development and low-lying areas, including some salt flats and lagoons. The coastline is marked by a series of small bays and inlets, with some rocky outcrops and sandy beaches. As you move inland from Arrecife, the landscape becomes more dramatic. The island's volcanic origin is evident in the numerous cinder cones, lava fields, and volcanic peaks that dot the landscape. These features create a stark, almost lunar-like terrain in many areas, with dark, rocky surfaces contrasting against the blue sky.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Arrecife for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. One promising area for solar PV development lies to the north and northwest of Arrecife. This region, which includes parts of the municipalities of Teguise and San Bartolomé, features expansive, gently sloping terrain with excellent sun exposure. The volcanic landscape in this area, while not entirely flat, offers many suitable sites for solar panel arrays. Another potential area for solar PV installations can be found to the south and southwest of Arrecife, in the direction of Playa Honda and the airport. This region also boasts relatively flat terrain and good solar radiation levels. However, developers would need to consider the proximity to the airport and potential height restrictions for solar installations. It's worth noting that while Lanzarote's arid climate and abundant sunshine make it an excellent candidate for solar energy, any large-scale development would need to carefully consider the island's unique ecosystem and strict environmental regulations. The local authorities place a high value on preserving the island's natural beauty and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, which could impact the feasibility and scale of solar PV projects in certain areas. In conclusion, the areas surrounding Arrecife offer promising potential for solar PV development, particularly in the less developed regions to the north, northwest, and south of the city. However, any such projects would need to balance energy production goals with environmental conservation efforts to ensure sustainable development on this unique volcanic island.

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.