Sun and solar panels
The solar output estimate from PVGIS, the European Commission's tool.
What we use
PVGIS 5.3, the service of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). It calculates the output of a solar power system at a given point from satellite sunlight data for 2005 to 2023 and from the profile of the mountains on the horizon. The data is free to use.
How we use it
The report asks PVGIS for the output of 1 kW of solar panels (about 5 square metres) at the best tilt and orientation, at the address point. It shows the kWh per year, the output month by month and the recommended tilt. To give an idea of scale: in Milan, Rimini and Bolzano PVGIS estimates between 1,340 and 1,370 kWh a year for each kW installed; in southern Italy the figures are higher.
Limits
- The estimate takes the mountains on the horizon into account, but not the shade from nearby buildings and trees.
- It does not know the real shape of the roof, which way its slopes face, or any restrictions set by the condominium or by heritage protection rules.
- It is an average over many years: output in a single year may differ.
Official page: PVGIS.
Check an address
Enter the address: the report summarises risks, local prices, population, services and transport, with the source for every figure.
For example: Via Dante 7, Milan.