Rafal, Valencia, Spain, situated at coordinates 38.1031, -0.8442 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The region experiences varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons, with notable peaks and troughs in energy output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 7.54kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.72kWh/day. Autumn sees a decrease in productivity, yielding 4.10kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.89kWh/day.

This seasonal variation indicates that Rafal is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight contribute to higher energy yields.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Rafal, Valencia, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Rafal generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and pollen: The region's dry climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.
• High temperatures: Summer heat can slightly decrease panel efficiency. Installing panels with good ventilation or using heat-resistant models can help maintain optimal performance.

To enhance solar production in Rafal, Valencia, consider implementing a tracking system to follow the sun's path, which can increase energy yield by up to 30%. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and ensuring proper spacing between rows to minimize shading can further optimize solar energy generation in this location.

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 Rafal

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.1031, Longitude: -0.8442 (Rafal, 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 33° South in Rafal, Spain

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rafal, Spain (Lat/Long 38.1031, -0.8442) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Rafal, 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 Rafal, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
22° South in Summer	42° South in Autumn	53° South in Winter	30° 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 Rafal, 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 Rafal, 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 Rafal, Spain

The topography around Rafal, Spain, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and flat plains typical of the Vega Baja del Segura region in the province of Alicante. The town itself is situated in a relatively flat area, with an elevation of approximately 20 meters above sea level. As you move away from Rafal, the landscape gradually becomes more undulating, with low hills and shallow valleys dotting the countryside. To the west and northwest of Rafal, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated, with some areas reaching heights of 100 to 200 meters. These higher areas are part of the foothills that eventually lead to the more mountainous regions further inland. To the east and southeast, the land remains relatively flat as it stretches towards the Mediterranean coast, which is about 20 kilometers away. The region around Rafal is known for its agricultural activity, with many areas dedicated to citrus orchards, vegetable farms, and other crops. This agricultural landscape is interspersed with small towns, villages, and scattered rural settlements.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics: Firstly, flat or gently sloping terrain is preferred for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels. The areas to the east and southeast of Rafal, where the land is generally flatter, could be well-suited for this purpose. Secondly, areas with minimal shading from hills, mountains, or tall structures are ideal to maximize sunlight exposure. The open plains surrounding Rafal offer good potential in this regard. Thirdly, locations with good road access for construction and maintenance would be advantageous. The region around Rafal is well-connected by roads, which is beneficial for solar PV projects. Considering these factors, the agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Rafal, particularly those that are less productive or fallow, could be prime candidates for large-scale solar PV installations. These areas typically receive ample sunlight due to the region's Mediterranean climate and have the necessary flat terrain and infrastructure access. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar project would need to balance energy production goals with preserving valuable agricultural land and considering local environmental impacts. Careful planning and consultation with local authorities and communities would be essential in identifying the most suitable locations for such developments.

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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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.