Solar PV Analysis of Tortosa, Spain
Tortosa, Catalonia, Spain, located at latitude 40.8121 and longitude 0.5192, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy output in Tortosa varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 7.21 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 5.68 kWh daily. Autumn sees a decline to 3.91 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.56 kWh daily.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of proper system sizing to meet year-round energy needs. While summer months offer abundant solar energy, winter months may require supplementary energy sources or energy storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Placement
For fixed panel installations in Tortosa, Catalonia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the high summer sun and the lower winter sun angles.
Environmental Considerations
Tortosa's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, with relatively mild winters and warm summers. However, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Dust and pollen: The Mediterranean climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning can mitigate this issue.
- Coastal proximity: While not directly on the coast, Tortosa's relative closeness to the Mediterranean Sea may expose solar installations to salt air, which can corrode equipment over time. Using corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings can help prevent damage.
Overall, Tortosa presents a good location for solar PV installations, with high potential during summer and spring months. While winter output is lower, proper system design and maintenance can ensure efficient year-round energy production.
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 Tortosa
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.8121, Longitude: 0.5192 (Tortosa, 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 35° South in Tortosa, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tortosa, Spain (Lat/Long 40.8121, 0.5192) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Tortosa, 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 Tortosa, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° 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 | 56° 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 Tortosa, 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 Tortosa, 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 Tortosa, Spain
The area around Tortosa, Spain, is characterized by a diverse and interesting topography. Tortosa itself is situated in the Baix Ebre comarca (county) of Catalonia, nestled along the banks of the Ebro River. The city is surrounded by a mix of landscapes that transition from riverside lowlands to more rugged terrain.
To the east of Tortosa, the land gradually rises into the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountain range. This mountainous area features steep slopes, deep valleys, and rocky outcrops. The highest peak in this range, Mont Caro, reaches an elevation of about 1,447 meters (4,747 feet) above sea level. These mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the city and influence local weather patterns.
To the west and southwest of Tortosa, the landscape becomes flatter as it extends towards the Ebro Delta. This delta region is a vast expanse of wetlands, lagoons, and sandy beaches where the Ebro River meets the Mediterranean Sea. The delta is mostly flat and low-lying, with much of it only slightly above sea level.
North and south of the city, following the course of the Ebro River, there are river valleys with fertile agricultural lands. These areas are relatively flat or gently rolling, with occasional hills and small plateaus rising above the river plain.
Areas Suitable for Large-scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas near Tortosa would likely be:
- The plains west of Tortosa: The flatter areas between the city and the Ebro Delta offer good potential for solar farms. These regions receive ample sunlight and have fewer geographical obstacles.
- Agricultural lands north and south of the city: Some of the less productive agricultural areas along the Ebro River valley could be repurposed for solar energy production. These areas are relatively flat and have good sun exposure.
- Elevated plateaus: Any flat or gently sloping elevated areas in the region could be excellent for solar PV installations, as they often have unobstructed access to sunlight throughout the day.
It's important to note that while the mountainous areas to the east receive plenty of sunlight, their steep slopes and rugged terrain make them less suitable for large-scale solar installations. Similarly, the Ebro Delta, while flat, is an important ecological area and is likely protected from such development.
Any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and grid connection possibilities. The abundant sunshine in this Mediterranean climate makes the region around Tortosa generally favorable for solar energy production, provided suitable flat or gently sloping land can be utilized.
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: Sunday 18th 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
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.
