Solar PV Analysis of Parla, Spain
Parla, Madrid, Spain, situated at latitude 40.2308 and longitude -3.7601, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This town in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy potential in Parla fluctuates significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 8.02 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.89 kWh per day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, yielding 4.12 kWh daily. Winter, as expected, has the lowest output at 2.52 kWh per day.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal time for solar energy production in Parla is during the summer months, typically from June to August. This period offers long daylight hours and generally clear skies, maximizing solar panel efficiency. Spring and early autumn also provide favorable conditions for solar generation, with moderate temperatures and ample sunlight.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Parla, Madrid, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Parla generally offers good conditions for solar energy production, there are some factors to consider:
- Dust and pollen: Parla's semi-arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
- Occasional extreme weather: Though rare, hailstorms or heavy snowfall could temporarily impact panel performance.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these factors and ensure optimal energy production, consider implementing the following measures:
- Regular cleaning: Schedule periodic panel cleaning to remove dust and pollen buildup.
- Protective coverings: Install hail guards or snow shields to protect panels during extreme weather events.
- Smart monitoring systems: Employ monitoring technology to quickly identify and address any performance issues.
Overall, Parla's location offers a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential during summer and spring months. By addressing potential environmental factors and optimizing panel placement, solar installations in this area can achieve consistent and efficient 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 Parla
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.2308, Longitude: -3.7601 (Parla, 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 34° South in Parla, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Parla, Spain (Lat/Long 40.2308, -3.7601) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Parla, 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 Parla, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 33° 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 Parla, 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 Parla, 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 Parla, Spain
The topography around Parla, Spain, is characterized by gently rolling hills and plains typical of the central Meseta region of the Iberian Peninsula. Parla itself sits at an elevation of approximately 650 meters (2,130 feet) above sea level. The surrounding landscape is relatively flat with subtle undulations, gradually descending towards the Tagus River basin to the south.
To the north and west of Parla, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated and hilly as it approaches the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. However, these hills are generally modest in height and do not present significant topographical barriers. The area is predominantly rural, with a mix of agricultural lands, including olive groves and cereal fields, interspersed with patches of Mediterranean scrubland.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the regions to the south and southeast of Parla offer the most promising conditions. These areas benefit from several favorable factors:
- Flat terrain: The relatively level landscape in these directions provides ample space for extensive solar panel arrays without the need for significant land modification.
- High solar irradiance: This part of Spain receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it ideal for solar energy production.
- Less urbanized: The southern and southeastern regions are less densely populated, offering larger contiguous areas for solar farm development.
- Proximity to infrastructure: These areas are close enough to existing power grids and transportation networks to facilitate the distribution of generated electricity.
Specifically, the open lands between Parla and towns like Torrejón de Velasco, Griñón, and Illescas could be particularly well-suited for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas combine the necessary topographical and infrastructural elements while being sufficiently removed from major urban centers to minimize land-use conflicts.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, any large-scale solar development would need to consider other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental impact assessments, and grid connection capabilities. Additionally, careful planning would be required to balance solar energy production with the preservation of agricultural lands and natural habitats in the region.
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: Wednesday 11th 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
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.
