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Flag of SpainSolar PV Analysis of Trujillo, Spain

Graph of hourly avg kWh electricity output per kW of Solar PV installed in Trujillo, Spain (by season)

Trujillo, Extremadura, Spain, located at latitude 39.4579 and longitude -5.882 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's solar production capabilities fluctuate significantly across seasons, presenting both opportunities and challenges for solar PV installations.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Trujillo peaks during the summer months, with an impressive output of 8.21 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 6.30 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 4.25 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.58 kWh/day per kW installed.

This seasonal variation indicates that Trujillo is most ideal for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight contribute to higher energy production. However, the significant drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.

Optimal Panel Placement

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Trujillo, Extremadura, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Trujillo generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

  • Dust and pollen: The region's dry climate can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.
  • High summer temperatures: Extreme heat can slightly decrease panel efficiency. Ensuring proper ventilation and using heat-resistant components can help maintain optimal performance.

To address these factors, installing panels with self-cleaning technologies or implementing automated cleaning systems can help maintain efficiency. Additionally, choosing high-quality, temperature-resistant panels and ensuring adequate airflow around the installation can optimize performance during hot summer months.

Overall, Trujillo's location offers strong potential for solar energy generation, particularly from spring through autumn. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, solar PV systems in this area can provide a significant and reliable source of renewable energy 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 Trujillo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.4579, Longitude: -5.882 (Trujillo, 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:

Summer
Average 8.21kWh/day in Summer.
Autumn
Average 4.25kWh/day in Autumn.
Winter
Average 2.58kWh/day in Winter.
Spring
Average 6.30kWh/day in Spring.

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 34° South in Trujillo, Spain

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Trujillo, Spain (Lat/Long 39.4579, -5.882) 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.

The sun
At Latitude: 39.4579, Longitude: -5.882, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 34° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Trujillo, 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 Trujillo, 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 54° South in Winter 32° South in Spring

Assuming you can modify the tilt angle of your solar PV panels throughout the year, you can optimize your solar generation in Trujillo, Spain as follows: In Summer, set the angle of your panels to 23° facing South. In Autumn, tilt panels to 44° facing South for maximum generation. During Winter, adjust your solar panels to a 54° angle towards the South for optimal energy production. Lastly, in Spring, position your panels at a 32° angle facing South to capture the most solar energy in Trujillo, Spain.

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 Trujillo, 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 Trujillo, 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.






Please enter information above to calculate panel spacing.

Topography for solar PV around Trujillo, Spain

The landscape surrounding Trujillo, Spain, is characterized by its diverse and picturesque topography. Situated in the Extremadura region, Trujillo sits atop a granite hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The area is part of the Trujillo-Cáceres peneplain, a gently undulating plateau that stretches across much of western Spain. To the north and east of Trujillo, the terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling, with occasional rocky outcrops and low hills punctuating the horizon. This area is known as the Llanos de Trujillo, or Trujillo Plains, and is characterized by vast expanses of dehesa, a traditional Mediterranean woodland ecosystem. The dehesa landscape features scattered oak trees interspersed with grasslands and shrubs, creating a mosaic-like pattern when viewed from above. As one moves south and west from Trujillo, the topography becomes more varied and rugged. The land gradually rises towards the Sierra de Montánchez mountain range, which lies approximately 30 kilometers to the southwest. This transition zone features more pronounced hills and valleys, with some areas reaching elevations of 600 to 800 meters above sea level.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Trujillo for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would ideally combine favorable topography, high solar irradiance, and minimal environmental impact. The Llanos de Trujillo to the north and east of the city present some of the most promising areas for solar PV development. These flat to gently sloping plains offer ample space and receive abundant sunlight throughout the year. The relatively open landscape means there are fewer obstacles to cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing their efficiency. Areas to the southeast of Trujillo, between the city and the town of Miajadas, also show potential for solar PV installations. This region features expansive, mostly flat terrain with good solar exposure. The land here is less densely populated and has fewer protected natural areas, making it easier to obtain permits for large-scale projects. It's important to note that while the hilly areas to the south and west may receive good sunlight, their more complex topography could increase installation costs and reduce overall efficiency. Additionally, care must be taken to avoid areas of high ecological value, such as protected dehesa ecosystems or important bird habitats. Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would need to balance energy production goals with environmental conservation and local land use considerations. Proper site selection and environmental impact assessments would be crucial to ensure sustainable development that benefits both the local community and the broader goal of renewable energy production.

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

Article: Solar PV Analysis of Trujillo, Spain
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 14th of March 2025
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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