Solar PV Analysis of Vigo, Spain
Vigo, Galicia, Spain, is a decent location for generating solar energy all year round, although there are variations across the seasons. During summer and spring, the average energy production per kilowatt of installed solar is quite high at 6.91 and 5.78 kilowatt-hours per day respectively. This makes these seasons ideal for harnessing solar power in Vigo.
In contrast, autumn and winter see lower levels of solar energy generation with averages of 3.63 and 2.03 kilowatt-hours per day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight.
For a fixed panel installation in this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 36 degrees towards the South will optimize total yearly production from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by capturing maximum sunlight throughout different times of the year.
Several factors can potentially impede solar production in Vigo such as environmental conditions or local topography features like mountains or tall buildings that could block sunlight reaching the panels. Weather patterns can also affect output - cloudy or rainy days will limit sun exposure to PV panels thereby reducing their effectiveness.
To mitigate these challenges when installing a PV system in Vigo:
1) Choose an installation site with minimal shading from nearby structures or vegetation.
2) Consider using tracking systems that allow your panels to follow the sun's path across the sky for maximum exposure.
3) Regular maintenance including cleaning panels regularly can help ensure they operate efficiently even under less than ideal weather conditions.
4) Use high-quality equipment designed to withstand local weather conditions - durable materials that resist corrosion from sea air if located near coastlines for example.
5) You may also want to consider battery storage solutions so you can store excess power generated during peak times for use during periods when generation is low.
Remember though: while Vigo's potential for year-round solar power generation is good overall; it isn't constant throughout each season due to varying weather conditions and sun exposure.
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 Vigo
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.2393, Longitude: -8.7224 (Vigo, 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 36° South in Vigo, Spain
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vigo, Spain (Lat/Long 42.2393, -8.7224) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Vigo, 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 Vigo, Spain. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 35° 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 Vigo, 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 Vigo, 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 Vigo, Spain
Vigo, Spain is located in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. The topography around Vigo is characterized by a rugged coastline with numerous coves, beaches, and cliffs. The area also features rolling hills and mountains, including the Galician Massif which surrounds Vigo to the east.
The city itself lies on a hillside overlooking the Ria de Vigo, a large bay fed by several rivers. This geographical feature creates a unique microclimate in Vigo that tends to be warmer and less rainy than other parts of Galicia.
As for solar PV potential, it's important to note that although Galicia isn't as sunny as southern Spain - which has some of the highest solar irradiation levels in Europe - it still receives enough sunlight throughout the year to make solar energy viable.
Flat or gently sloping areas would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations due to ease of installation and maintenance. Locations away from shadows cast by mountains or buildings would also be ideal.
Potential locations could include areas towards south-eastern parts near Redondela or Mos where there are more open spaces and flatter terrain compared to coastal regions with steep cliffs.
However, feasibility studies would need to be conducted considering various factors such as land availability, grid connectivity etc., before deciding on specific sites for large-scale solar PV projects.
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: Friday 8th of March 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.
