Solar PV Analysis of Oiartzun, Spain
Oiartzun, Basque Country, Spain is a fairly decent location for generating energy through solar PV systems throughout the year. However, there are some seasonal variations that need to be considered. During summer and spring, you can expect high amounts of electricity output from your solar panels - around 5.98kWh/day in Summer and 5.34kWh/day in Spring per kW of installed solar power.
However, during autumn and winter, the energy production drops significantly due to less sunlight hours - about 3.21 kWh/day in Autumn and only 1.80 kWh/day in Winter per kW of installed solar power.
Therefore, if you're planning on installing a solar panel system here then it would be most effective during the sunnier months i.e., spring and summer.
To optimize your total yearly production from these panels at this location specifically, you should tilt them at an angle of 37 degrees facing South as this will ensure they capture as much sunlight as possible throughout the year.
As far as local factors that could impede solar production go there could be several depending on specific environmental or weather conditions prevalent in Oiartzun; such as cloud cover or fog which is common along northern Spanish coastlines reducing sunlight exposure; rain which could potentially dirty the panels reducing their effectiveness; or even physical obstructions like buildings or trees blocking direct sunlight access to your panels.
Preventative measures against these issues include regularly cleaning your panels to remove any dirt build-up caused by rain or other weather elements; also carefully choosing where you install your panels so they aren't blocked by physical obstructions can help optimise their performance. It's always best to consult with a local professional who understands the unique climate considerations for Oiartzun before making any final decisions about installation.
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 Oiartzun
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.2968, Longitude: -1.8665 (Oiartzun, 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 Oiartzun, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Oiartzun, Spain (Lat/Long 43.2968, -1.8665) 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 Oiartzun, 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 Oiartzun, 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 Oiartzun, 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 Oiartzun, 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 Oiartzun, Spain
Oiartzun is located in the Basque Country of Spain, which is characterized by a varied topography. The area around Oiartzun consists of rolling hills and mountains with lush greenery. It is part of the Pyrenees mountain range, so it has a rugged terrain with numerous valleys and peaks.
The location isn't ideal for large-scale solar PV installations due to its hilly and mountainous landscape, as well as its relatively high levels of rainfall compared to other parts of Spain. However, flat areas or south-facing slopes could potentially be used for smaller-scale solar installations.
Areas that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV in this region would likely be towards the southern parts of Spain where there are more extensive plains and higher levels of sunlight throughout the year. This includes regions such as Andalusia or Extremadura which have some of the highest levels of sunshine in Europe.
However, if looking specifically near Oiartzun, flatter areas or plateaus might be suitable for smaller scale projects. Additionally, rooftops on buildings can also serve as potential sites for installing solar panels without requiring additional land space.
It's important to note that any plans for large-scale renewable energy projects should take into account not only geographical suitability but also environmental impact assessments and local regulations or restrictions related to land use and conservation efforts.
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 4th of June 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.
