The location of Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated at coordinates 44.8708, 18.8089 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in solar output are significant, with summer being the most productive period and winter the least.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Brčko varies considerably across the seasons:

• Summer: 6.82 kWh/day per kW installed
• Spring: 4.77 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 3.06 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 1.72 kWh/day per kW installed

The most ideal times for solar energy generation are during the summer months, followed by spring. During these periods, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Angle

For fixed panel installations in Brčko, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 38 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental and Weather Factors

While Brčko's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency: 1. Snow accumulation in winter: The region experiences snowfall, which can temporarily reduce solar panel output. Regular panel cleaning and the use of snow-shedding systems can mitigate this issue. 2. Fog and overcast days: Brčko's proximity to rivers may lead to occasional fog, particularly in autumn and winter. While modern solar panels can still generate some electricity in diffuse light, overall output may be reduced on such days. 3. Air pollution: As an industrial center, Brčko may experience periods of increased air pollution, which can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning of panels can help maintain optimal performance.

Preventative Measures

To enhance solar energy production in Brčko, consider implementing these measures: 1. Use high-efficiency, bifacial solar panels that can capture reflected light from the ground. 2. Install a tracking system to follow the sun's path, increasing daily energy yield. 3. Implement a robust cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall or during periods of high air pollution. 4. Consider micro-inverter or power optimizer technology to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.

While Brčko's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, the overall potential remains promising with proper system design and maintenance.

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 30 locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Bosnia and Herzegovina by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Brčko

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.8708, Longitude: 18.8089 (Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina), 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 38° South in Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Lat/Long 44.8708, 18.8089) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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 Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
28° South in Summer	48° South in Autumn	59° South in Winter	37° 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 Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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 Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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 Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The area surrounding Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Situated in the northeastern part of the country, Brčko lies in the Posavina region, which is known for its gently rolling hills and fertile plains. The city itself is nestled along the southern bank of the Sava River, a major waterway that forms part of the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. To the south of Brčko, the landscape gradually transitions from the flat river valley to a series of low, undulating hills. These hills are typically covered with a mix of agricultural land and patches of forest, creating a patchwork of green hues that stretch towards the horizon. The terrain becomes more pronounced as you move further south, with steeper slopes and deeper valleys emerging. To the east and west of the city, the topography remains relatively flat, with expansive agricultural fields dominating the landscape. This area is part of the broader Pannonian Plain, a vast lowland region that extends across several countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The flat terrain in these directions is occasionally interrupted by small streams and drainage channels that crisscross the farmland.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations for solar farms typically require flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from natural or man-made obstacles. Given these criteria, the areas to the east and west of Brčko appear to be the most promising for large-scale solar PV development. The flat, open fields that characterize much of the Posavina region in these directions offer several advantages: 1. The level terrain would simplify construction and reduce costs associated with land preparation. 2. The lack of significant natural obstacles means less shading and more consistent sun exposure throughout the day. 3. Much of this land is already used for agriculture, which could potentially allow for dual-use solar farms that combine energy production with crop cultivation. However, it's important to note that the feasibility of solar PV installations would also depend on other factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and environmental considerations. Additionally, while the flat terrain is generally advantageous, care would need to be taken to ensure that the installations are not at risk of flooding, given the proximity to the Sava River and its tributaries. The hilly areas to the south of Brčko, while less ideal for large-scale installations, could potentially accommodate smaller solar farms on south-facing slopes. These locations might benefit from increased solar radiation due to their elevation and orientation, but would likely involve higher construction and maintenance costs due to the more challenging terrain.

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.