Utrera, Andalusia, Spain, located at latitude 37.183 and longitude -5.7746 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying solar energy production potential throughout the year. This location demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations in solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Utrera generate their highest output during summer months, producing an impressive 8.26 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.39 kWh/day per installed kilowatt. Production decreases considerably in autumn to 4.58 kWh/day and reaches its lowest point in winter with only 2.84 kWh/day per kilowatt of installed capacity.

This pattern shows that Utrera experiences nearly three times more solar production in summer compared to winter months, which is typical for locations in the Northern Temperate Zone. The substantial difference between seasons indicates that while the location is excellent for solar generation during half the year, winter production is significantly reduced.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Utrera, Andalusia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round electricity production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize annual solar energy capture based on the location's specific latitude and seasonal solar elevation patterns.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Utrera:

• Dust and pollen: Southern Spain experiences seasonal dust storms, particularly when winds blow from North Africa. This can reduce panel efficiency by up to 10% if not addressed.
• High summer temperatures: Utrera can experience very hot summers that may reduce solar panel efficiency, as most panels lose efficiency above 25°C (77°F).
• Occasional drought conditions: While generally beneficial for solar (clear skies), extended drought can increase dust accumulation on panels.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production in Utrera, Andalusia, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Regular cleaning schedule: Implementing quarterly panel cleaning, with additional cleaning during dust storm seasons.
• Temperature management: Using panels with better temperature coefficients and ensuring adequate airflow beneath the panels to reduce heat-related efficiency losses.
• Advanced mounting systems: Considering adjustable mounts that allow for seasonal tilt optimization, potentially increasing annual yield by 3-5% compared to fixed installations.
• Anti-soiling coatings: Applying specialized coatings to reduce dust adhesion and improve self-cleaning during rainfall.

With these considerations addressed, Utrera represents a generally favorable location for solar PV installations, especially given its excellent summer and spring production potential.

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 Utrera

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.183, Longitude: -5.7746 (Utrera, 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 32° South in Utrera, Spain

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Utrera, Spain (Lat/Long 37.183, -5.7746) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Utrera, 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 Utrera, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
21° South in Summer	42° South in Autumn	52° 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 Utrera, 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 Utrera, 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 Utrera, Spain

The topography surrounding Utrera, Spain presents a predominantly flat to gently rolling landscape characteristic of the lower Guadalquivir basin. Located in the province of Seville in Andalusia, Utrera sits within a broader region known as the Campiña, a fertile agricultural plain that extends across much of western Andalusia.

Landscape Features

The immediate vicinity of Utrera consists primarily of low-lying plains with elevations generally ranging between 30 and 100 meters above sea level. This relatively flat terrain gradually transitions to slightly more undulating countryside as one moves away from the town center. To the northeast, the land rises gradually toward the foothills of the Sierra Morena mountain range, though these mountains themselves are quite distant from Utrera. To the southwest, the topography becomes increasingly flat as it approaches the marshlands of the Guadalquivir River delta and eventually the Atlantic coast. The Guadalquivir River itself flows approximately 20 kilometers north of Utrera, influencing the overall drainage patterns of the region. Several smaller streams and seasonal waterways cross the area, including the Salado River, which passes near the town. These watercourses have carved shallow valleys into the otherwise level landscape, creating minor topographic variations.

Soil and Surface Characteristics

The soils around Utrera are predominantly composed of clay and limestone, with areas of rich alluvial deposits from the Guadalquivir River system. These fertile soils have historically supported extensive agricultural development, with large portions of the surrounding countryside dedicated to farming, particularly olive groves, cereal crops, and sunflower cultivation. The natural vegetation in uncultivated areas consists mainly of Mediterranean scrubland and grassland, though much of the native vegetation has been modified by centuries of agricultural activity.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

The topographic characteristics of the Utrera region make it particularly well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most advantageous areas for solar PV development include: The extensive flat plains to the south and southwest of Utrera offer ideal conditions for solar installations. These areas combine level terrain with minimal shadowing effects from natural features, allowing for efficient array layouts and simplified construction requirements. The minimal grading needed reduces installation costs and environmental impact. The gently sloping areas to the east and southeast of Utrera present favorable conditions for solar development, particularly those with slight south-facing aspects. These subtle inclines can actually enhance solar capture efficiency compared to perfectly flat terrain, especially during winter months when the sun angle is lower. Agricultural lands of lower productivity, particularly in the drier zones further from the Guadalquivir River, represent opportunities for dual-use development where solar installations can coexist with certain types of farming activities or provide an alternative economic use for marginally productive agricultural land. The region benefits from minimal topographical barriers that might otherwise create localized climate effects such as persistent fog or cloud cover. The open landscape allows for consistent solar exposure throughout the day across large contiguous areas. Areas to avoid for solar development include the limited floodplains associated with the Salado River and other waterways, as well as any protected natural areas or zones with significant cultural heritage value. Additionally, the most productive agricultural lands, particularly those with irrigation infrastructure, may face regulatory restrictions or economic disincentives for conversion to solar energy production. Overall, the topographical conditions surrounding Utrera provide extensive opportunities for solar PV development, with thousands of hectares potentially suitable for large-scale installations within reasonable proximity to existing electrical infrastructure and transportation networks.

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.