Solar Energy Potential in Palencia, Castille and León, Spain

The city of Palencia, Castille and León, located in northern Spain, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated at latitude 42.0205 and longitude -4.5321, this location experiences distinct seasonal differences in solar output. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.66 kWh of electricity generated per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This high yield makes summer an ideal time for solar energy production in Palencia. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, delivering 5.70 kWh per day. This substantial output indicates that spring is also a favorable time for solar energy generation in the region. Autumn sees a significant decrease in solar productivity, with daily output dropping to 3.63 kWh. While less efficient than summer and spring, autumn still contributes meaningfully to the overall annual solar energy production. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy generation in Palencia, Castille and León, with daily output falling to just 2.00 kWh. This reduced efficiency is due to shorter days and lower sun angles during the winter months.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Palencia, Castille and León, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 36 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the city's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Palencia generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact efficiency: 1. Fog and low cloud cover: Palencia occasionally experiences foggy conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Dust and pollen: The region's agricultural activities may lead to increased dust and pollen in the air, potentially accumulating on solar panels and reducing their effectiveness. To mitigate these issues, consider implementing the following preventative measures: 1. Regular cleaning: Establish a maintenance schedule to clean panels, removing dust, pollen, and other debris that may accumulate. 2. Anti-soiling coatings: Apply specialized coatings to panel surfaces to minimize dust and pollen adhesion, making cleaning easier and more effective. 3. Monitoring systems: Install real-time monitoring systems to quickly identify and address any unexpected drops in panel efficiency. By taking these precautions, solar energy systems in Palencia can maintain optimal performance and maximize energy production throughout the year.

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 Palencia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.0205, Longitude: -4.5321 (Palencia, 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 36° South in Palencia, Spain

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Palencia, Spain (Lat/Long 42.0205, -4.5321) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Palencia, 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 Palencia, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
26° South in Summer	46° South in Autumn	57° 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 Palencia, 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 Palencia, 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 Palencia, Spain

The topography around Palencia, Spain, is characterized by a diverse landscape that reflects the region's unique geographical features. Situated in the northern part of the Castilla y León autonomous community, Palencia is nestled within the expansive Meseta Central, a vast plateau that dominates much of central Spain. The city of Palencia itself lies in a relatively flat area along the banks of the Carrión River. As one moves outward from the city center, the terrain gradually transitions into gently rolling hills and plains. This undulating landscape is typical of the Tierra de Campos, a historical comarca (region) known for its agricultural importance and wide-open spaces. To the north of Palencia, the terrain becomes more varied and dramatic. The landscape begins to rise, forming the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains. These mountains, while not immediately adjacent to Palencia, have a significant influence on the region's topography and climate. The transition from the plains to the mountains creates a picturesque blend of gentle slopes and more pronounced elevations.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Palencia for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would typically be found in the flatter, open areas to the south and east of the city. The Tierra de Campos region, extending southward from Palencia, offers vast expanses of relatively flat terrain. These areas receive ample sunlight throughout the year and have minimal obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. The gently rolling hills in this region could also be advantageous, as south-facing slopes can maximize sun exposure for solar installations. Areas to the east of Palencia, towards the province of Burgos, also present favorable conditions for solar PV development. These locations benefit from the rain shadow effect of the Cantabrian Mountains, resulting in clearer skies and more consistent sunlight. It's important to note that while the topography is conducive to solar energy production, other factors such as grid connectivity, land use regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects in the region. The combination of expansive plains, minimal forest cover, and a climate characterized by hot, dry summers makes the area around Palencia an attractive prospect for solar energy development. However, careful planning and environmental impact assessments would be necessary to ensure that such projects are implemented sustainably and in harmony with the region's agricultural heritage and natural ecosystems.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.