Solar PV Analysis of Velada, Spain
The location of Velada, Spain, situated at coordinates 39.9765, -4.9823, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences distinct seasonal changes that significantly impact solar panel efficiency.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the prime season for solar energy generation in Velada, with an impressive daily output of 8.18 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 6.24 kWh per day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 4.34 kWh daily, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.78 kWh per day.
This seasonal variation indicates that Velada is most suitable for solar energy production from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy generation.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Velada, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Velada 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 panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
- High summer temperatures: Extreme heat can 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 dust removal during rainfall.
In conclusion, Velada provides a good location for solar PV installations, with particularly strong performance during summer and spring. While winter months see reduced output, the overall yearly production remains favorable, making it a viable option for renewable energy generation.
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 Velada
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.9765, Longitude: -4.9823 (Velada, 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 Velada, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Velada, Spain (Lat/Long 39.9765, -4.9823) 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 Velada, 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 Velada, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° 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 Velada, 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 Velada, 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 Velada, Spain
The area around Velada, Spain, is characterized by a diverse and interesting topography. Velada itself is situated in the province of Toledo, within the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. The terrain in this region is generally described as a mix of rolling hills, plateaus, and river valleys.
To the north of Velada, you'll find gently undulating landscapes that gradually rise towards the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos mountain range. These hills are often covered with olive groves, vineyards, and scattered oak trees, creating a picturesque Mediterranean scene. The land becomes more rugged and elevated as you move further north.
To the south and east, the terrain tends to flatten out into a broader plateau known as the Mesa de Ocaña. This area is characterized by wide-open spaces with fewer elevation changes, making it reminiscent of the famous La Mancha region immortalized in Don Quixote.
The Tajo (Tagus) River, one of the major waterways of the Iberian Peninsula, flows to the north of Velada. Its presence has shaped the surrounding landscape, carving out valleys and creating fertile lowlands along its banks.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flatter regions to the south and east of Velada present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- The relatively flat terrain of the Mesa de Ocaña provides ample space for large solar arrays without the need for extensive land preparation.
- The open landscapes in this direction receive abundant sunlight throughout the year, with fewer obstructions from hills or mountains that could cast shadows.
- The climate in this part of Spain is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, which is ideal for solar energy production.
- The lower population density in these areas means there's likely to be less competition for land use and fewer concerns about visual impact on residential areas.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific assessments, including environmental impact studies, grid connection feasibility, and local regulations. The seemingly ideal topography is just one factor in determining the suitability of a location for solar 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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 12th of September 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.
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.
