Solar PV Analysis of Fonsagrada, Spain
Fonsagrada, Galicia, Spain, located at latitude 43.1248 and longitude -7.0813 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy generation potential, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar PV installations.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
Solar energy production in Fonsagrada peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 6.03 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.30 kWh/day. However, there is a substantial drop in production during autumn (3.27 kWh/day) and winter (1.84 kWh/day).
The most ideal times for solar energy generation at this location are from late spring through early autumn, roughly from May to September. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Fonsagrada, Galicia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 37 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Fonsagrada:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences significant cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, which can reduce solar radiation reaching the panels.
- Rainfall: Fonsagrada receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
- Snow: Winter snowfall, while not extremely common, can accumulate on panels and reduce energy production.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these environmental challenges and ensure greater energy production, consider the following preventative measures when installing solar PV systems in Fonsagrada:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Install panels at the optimal 37-degree tilt to maximize exposure and encourage snow or water runoff.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove debris and ensure optimal performance.
- Consider a tracking system to follow the sun's path, potentially increasing energy production by up to 30%.
While Fonsagrada's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can help maximize the potential of solar PV installations in this area.
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 Fonsagrada
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.1248, Longitude: -7.0813 (Fonsagrada, 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 37° South in Fonsagrada, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fonsagrada, Spain (Lat/Long 43.1248, -7.0813) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Fonsagrada, 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 Fonsagrada, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 35° 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 Fonsagrada, 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 Fonsagrada, 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 Fonsagrada, Spain
The area around Fonsagrada, Spain, is characterized by a rugged and mountainous terrain typical of the Galician highlands. Located in the eastern part of the province of Lugo, Fonsagrada sits at an elevation of approximately 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level. The surrounding landscape is a mix of rolling hills, steep slopes, and deep valleys, creating a picturesque but challenging topography.
The region is part of the Cantabrian Mountains, which run along the northern coast of Spain. This mountainous area is known for its lush green vegetation, thanks to the humid Atlantic climate. The terrain is dotted with small rivers and streams that have carved their way through the landscape over millennia, creating a network of narrow valleys and gorges.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the options are somewhat limited due to the mountainous nature of the region. However, there are a few potential areas that could be considered:
The most promising locations for solar PV would be on the gentler slopes and plateaus found in the lower elevations surrounding Fonsagrada. These areas, while not entirely flat, offer more stable and accessible terrain for the installation of solar panels. South-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
Some of the broader valley floors in the region might also be suitable for solar installations, provided they are not prone to flooding or excessive shading from nearby mountains. These areas tend to have more level ground, which is beneficial for the construction and maintenance of large-scale solar farms.
It's worth noting that while the mountainous terrain presents challenges for solar PV development, it also offers some advantages. The higher elevation means clearer air and potentially less atmospheric interference, which can improve solar energy capture. Additionally, the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes can help improve the efficiency of solar panels, which tend to perform better in cooler conditions.
However, any large-scale solar PV project in this area would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, as the region is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. Balancing renewable energy development with conservation efforts would be crucial in this sensitive ecological area.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 7th of September 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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