Solar PV Analysis of Paterna, Spain
Paterna, Valencia, Spain, located at 39.5012° N latitude and -0.4313° longitude, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Mediterranean town in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences varying levels of solar energy production across the seasons.
Seasonal Solar Output
Solar energy production in Paterna peaks during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 7.39 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.57 kWh per day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output at 4.00 kWh daily, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.78 kWh per day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter outputs highlights the region's distinct seasonal variations. However, even during the least productive winter months, Paterna still maintains a respectable level of solar energy generation.
Ideal Times for Solar Generation
The most favorable period for solar energy production in Paterna spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The summer solstice in June marks the peak of solar potential, with energy production gradually tapering off as autumn approaches.
Optimal Panel Tilt Angle
For fixed solar panel installations in Paterna, Valencia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 34 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's varying positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Paterna generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider:
- Dust and pollen: The Mediterranean climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
- Occasional heatwaves: Extreme temperatures during summer might slightly decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and the use of heat-resistant, high-efficiency solar panels are recommended. Additionally, installing panels with a slight tilt can help with natural cleaning during rainfall, enhancing overall performance and longevity of the solar PV system.
In conclusion, Paterna's location provides an excellent opportunity for solar energy generation, with strong potential throughout most of the year and manageable challenges that can be addressed through proper installation and maintenance practices.
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 Paterna
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.5012, Longitude: -0.4313 (Paterna, 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 Paterna, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Paterna, Spain (Lat/Long 39.5012, -0.4313) 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 Paterna, 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 Paterna, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 32° 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 Paterna, 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 Paterna, 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 Paterna, Spain
The area around Paterna, Spain, is characterized by a diverse topography that reflects its location near the Mediterranean coast and the transition to inland regions. Paterna itself is situated in a relatively flat area, part of the coastal plain known as the Huerta de Valencia. This plain is renowned for its fertile soil and has been historically used for agriculture.
To the west of Paterna, the terrain gradually becomes more undulating, with gentle hills and small valleys. This area marks the beginning of the transition to the more mountainous interior of the Valencia region. These hills are often covered with Mediterranean vegetation, including pine forests and shrublands.
To the east, the land remains predominantly flat as it approaches the Mediterranean Sea, about 10 kilometers away. This coastal plain is densely populated and heavily urbanized, with numerous towns and cities, including Valencia itself.
The Turia River, which once flowed through Valencia, passes to the south of Paterna. Its old riverbed has been converted into a long, green park that stretches through the urban area.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found to the west and northwest of Paterna. These areas offer several advantages:
- They have more open, undeveloped land compared to the densely populated coastal areas.
- The gently rolling terrain provides good exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
- These areas are less likely to conflict with prime agricultural land or protected natural spaces.
- They are close enough to urban centers to allow for efficient energy distribution but far enough to avoid major land-use conflicts.
However, any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and grid connection possibilities. The specific suitability of sites would require detailed on-the-ground assessments, including studies of solar irradiance, land ownership, and environmental factors.
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: Sunday 11th of August 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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