Solar PV Analysis of Galdakao, Spain
Solar Energy Potential in Galdakao, Basque Country, Spain
Galdakao, Basque Country, Spain, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal variations in solar output provide insights into its suitability for photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.02 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 5.26 kWh/day. These seasons offer excellent opportunities for maximizing solar energy production.
Autumn sees a significant decrease in output, generating 3.18 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest production, with only 1.75 kWh/day. This substantial seasonal variation highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate year-round energy supply.
Optimal Panel Placement
For fixed panel installations in Galdakao, Basque Country, the ideal tilt angle is 37 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes year-round solar energy capture, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
Galdakao's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region experiences significant rainfall, with an average of 120 rainy days per year. This high precipitation can reduce solar panel efficiency and increase the need for maintenance.
To mitigate these effects, installers should consider using high-quality, water-resistant panels and implementing robust drainage systems. Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules are also crucial to maintain optimal performance.
Additionally, Galdakao's proximity to the coast means salt air exposure could potentially accelerate corrosion of solar equipment. Using corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings can help extend the lifespan of the solar installation.
Conclusion
While Galdakao's location presents some challenges, particularly during autumn and winter months, it still offers considerable potential for solar energy generation. With proper planning, optimal panel placement, and preventative measures against environmental factors, solar PV systems can provide a significant contribution to the area's renewable energy portfolio.
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 Galdakao
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.2285, Longitude: -2.8349 (Galdakao, 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 Galdakao, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Galdakao, Spain (Lat/Long 43.2285, -2.8349) 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 Galdakao, 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 Galdakao, 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 | 36° 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 Galdakao, 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 Galdakao, 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 Galdakao, Spain
The topography around Galdakao, Spain, is characterized by a mix of hilly terrain and valleys typical of the Basque Country region. Galdakao itself is situated in a relatively low-lying area along the Ibaizabal River, surrounded by gentle slopes and more pronounced hills.
To the north and east of Galdakao, the landscape becomes more rugged as it transitions into the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains. These areas feature steeper slopes and higher elevations, with some peaks reaching over 400 meters above sea level. The southern and western parts of the region tend to have more moderate relief, with rolling hills and broader valleys.
The area's topography is influenced by its proximity to the Bay of Biscay, which lies about 15 kilometers to the north. This coastal influence contributes to the region's lush, green appearance, as it receives ample rainfall throughout the year.
Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Galdakao, several factors must be taken into account. The ideal areas would have the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping terrain to minimize installation costs and maximize sunlight exposure
- Minimal shading from nearby hills or mountains
- Good access to existing infrastructure, such as roads and power grids
- Areas with lower agricultural or ecological value to minimize environmental impact
Based on these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations near Galdakao would likely be found in the broader valleys and more open areas to the south and southwest of the town. These regions tend to have more gradual slopes and wider expanses of land that could accommodate solar arrays.
Specifically, the areas around the neighboring municipalities of Zaratamo, Arrigorriaga, and Basauri might offer potential sites for solar development. These locations feature some flatter terrain and are close to existing transportation and energy infrastructure, which could facilitate the construction and operation of solar facilities.
However, it's important to note that the Basque Country's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, may present challenges for solar energy production. Any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider these factors and conduct thorough feasibility studies to ensure economic viability.
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: Friday 20th 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.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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