Solar PV Analysis of Bigastro, Spain
The location at Bigastro, Valencia, Spain is quite suitable for generating solar energy throughout the year due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. However, like everywhere else, the amount of electricity you can generate varies with each season.
In summer, you can expect to get about 7.54 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power capacity. This is because there are more daylight hours and usually clearer skies during this season.
During autumn and spring, production drops a bit but remains relatively high compared to winter – around 4.10 kWh/day in autumn and 5.72 kWh/day in spring per kW of installed solar.
Winter has the lowest output at about 2.89 kWh/day per kW due to shorter days and often cloudier skies.
To maximize your yearly energy production from solar panels at this location, it's best if they're tilted towards south at an angle of approximately 33 degrees.
However, when considering installing a solar system here or anywhere else for that matter, it's important to also consider local factors that might affect its performance such as local weather patterns or environmental conditions which could block sunlight reaching your panels - like tall trees or buildings nearby casting shadows on them during parts of the day.
In Bigastro specifically though there aren't any significant issues known that would impede your solar panel's performance significantly if properly installed and maintained.
As preventative measures against potential problems:
1- You should ensure your panels are cleaned regularly so dust or other debris doesn't build up on them reducing their efficiency.
2- If possible try locating them where they'll be least likely affected by shading from nearby objects especially during peak sun hours - typically between about 9 am and 3 pm.
3- Regular maintenance checks by a professional could also help identify any potential issues early before they become bigger problems affecting your system's performance.
In conclusion, while the solar energy production varies with each season in Bigastro, Valencia, Spain, it is still a good location for solar power generation year-round if properly installed and maintained.
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 Bigastro
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.0587, Longitude: -0.8975 (Bigastro, 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 33° South in Bigastro, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bigastro, Spain (Lat/Long 38.0587, -0.8975) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Bigastro, 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 Bigastro, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 30° 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 Bigastro, 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 Bigastro, Spain.
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 Bigastro, Spain
Bigastro, Spain is located in the southeastern part of the country and is characterized by a mixed topography. The area includes flat plains, hilly terrains, and mountainous regions. Its location in the province of Alicante provides it with a Mediterranean climate which means plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, flat or gently sloping areas are generally preferred as they facilitate easier installation and maintenance while maximizing sun exposure. Therefore, plain areas around Bigastro would be most suitable for such installations.
In terms of specific locations nearby that could be suited to large-scale solar PV:
1. Vega Baja del Segura: This region is known for its extensive plains which would provide ample space for large-scale solar farms.
2. Near Orihuela: Just northeast of Bigastro is another relatively flat region near Orihuela that could potentially host a significant amount of solar infrastructure.
3. Coastal Areas: While not directly adjacent to Bigastro, coastal areas within Alicante province could also offer potential sites given their relative lack of shading and typically strong sunlight levels.
However, any decision on where exactly to locate such an installation should take into account other factors such as local land use regulations, proximity to electrical grid connections and access roads among other considerations.
Please note that this does not constitute professional advice but rather general guidance based on geographical information about the area around Bigastro.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 9th of April 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.
