Solar PV Analysis of Farum, Denmark
Farum, Capital Region, Denmark, situated at 55.8043°N, 12.3682°E, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Farum follows a predictable pattern aligned with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 5.78 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.54 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a dramatic decline in energy production, with autumn generating 1.90 kWh/day and winter plummeting to a mere 0.83 kWh/day.
This stark contrast between seasons means that solar energy systems in Farum will be most effective from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. Conversely, the short, dark days of winter significantly limit solar generation potential.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Farum, Capital Region, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 47 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun angles.
Environmental Considerations
While Farum's location doesn't present any extraordinary environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: Denmark's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover, which can reduce solar irradiance.
- Snow and ice: Winter accumulation on panels can temporarily decrease efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in low-light conditions. Additionally, using panels with a steep tilt angle (as recommended) can help shed snow and ice more easily. Regular maintenance, including cleaning panels and ensuring they remain unobstructed, is crucial for optimal performance.
In conclusion, while Farum's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, proper installation and maintenance can still make solar PV systems a viable renewable energy option for much of the year.
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 130 locations across Denmark. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Denmark by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Farum
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.8043, Longitude: 12.3682 (Farum, Denmark), 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 47° South in Farum, Denmark
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Farum, Denmark (Lat/Long 55.8043, 12.3682) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Farum, Denmark
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 Farum, Denmark. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39° South in Summer | 58° South in Autumn | 68° South in Winter | 48° 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 Farum, Denmark
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 Farum, Denmark.
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 Farum, Denmark
The topography around Farum, Denmark, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of the Danish countryside. Farum is located in the northeastern part of Zealand, the largest island in Denmark, and sits at an elevation of about 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level. The surrounding area features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat plains.
The region is dotted with small lakes and ponds, including Farum Lake to the south of the town. To the north and west, you'll find forested areas such as Farum Lillevang and Ganløse Ore. These woodlands are interspersed with open fields and meadows, creating a patchwork of green spaces. The terrain is generally mild, with no steep slopes or significant elevation changes in the immediate vicinity.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require open, relatively flat land with good sun exposure. Based on the topography of the region around Farum, some potential areas for solar PV development could include:
1. Agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Farum: These areas tend to be more open and flat, with fewer trees to obstruct sunlight. The gentle slopes in some of these locations could actually be beneficial for solar panel placement, as they can be oriented for optimal sun exposure.
2. Former gravel pits or quarries in the region: These areas, if present, often provide large, open spaces that are no longer suitable for agriculture but could be repurposed for solar energy production.
3. Areas south of Farum, towards Værløse: This region has some open spaces that might be suitable, although care would need to be taken to avoid wetlands and protected natural areas.
It's important to note that while the topography around Farum is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and grid connection availability would also need to be considered. Additionally, Denmark's climate, with its long summer days but relatively low sun angle, would influence the design and efficiency of any large-scale solar project in this area.
Denmark solar PV Stats as a country
Denmark ranks 37th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,540 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 4.10% of Denmark's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 19th in the world). Each year Denmark is generating 264 Watts from solar PV per capita (Denmark ranks 18th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Denmark?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Denmark. The Danish government offers a range of financial support and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. This includes grants, loans, and tax deductions. Additionally, the Danish Energy Agency provides subsidies for businesses that install solar panels on their premises. Finally, some local authorities offer additional incentives such as reduced electricity bills or free installation of solar panels.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Denmark? 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: Sunday 4th of August 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.
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