PVGIS
Free EU online tool for calculating solar yields based on location, orientation, and tilt angle.
Also known as: Photovoltaic Geographical Information System, EU PVGIS
What Is PVGIS?
PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) is a free online tool from the European Commission (Joint Research Centre) that calculates solar irradiance and expected PV yield for any location in Europe and beyond. It uses satellite data and climatological models.
Features
- Yield calculation: Expected annual yield of a PV system (kWh/kWp)
- Radiation data: Monthly and hourly global irradiance
- Optimal angle: Calculation of the optimal tilt and orientation
- Grid-connected PV: Simulation including losses (cables, inverter, temperature)
- Off-grid simulation: Standalone systems with storage
- TMY data: Typical Meteorological Year for download
Input Parameters
| Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Location | Coordinates or address |
| PV technology | Crystalline silicon, CdTe, etc. |
| Installed capacity | e.g. 10 kWp |
| Tilt | e.g. 35° |
| Azimuth | e.g. 0° (south) |
| System losses | Default: 14% |
Example Results for Munich (10 kWp, 35° South)
| Month | Yield (kWh) |
|---|---|
| January | 370 |
| July | 1,250 |
| Annual yield | approx. 11,200 |
Practical Tip
PVGIS is the most important free tool for yield estimation. It is available at re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools. The results serve as a solid basis for profitability calculations.
Related Terms
Global Irradiance
Total solar radiation hitting a horizontal surface -- the sum of direct and diffuse radiation.
kWp (Kilowatt Peak)
Unit for the maximum power output of a solar module or PV system under Standard Test Conditions (STC).
kWh (Kilowatt-Hour)
Unit of electrical energy -- one kWh equals the energy converted at a power of 1 kW over one hour.
Roof Pitch
Angle of the roof relative to the horizontal -- affects solar yield and optimal module orientation.
Azimuth
Compass direction of the module orientation in degrees -- 0° = South, -90° = East, +90° = West, +/-180° = North.