Solar PV Analysis of Ikast, Denmark
Solar Energy Potential in Ikast, Central Jutland, Denmark
Ikast, Central Jutland, Denmark, located at latitude 56.1379 and longitude 9.1555, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Being in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
The summer months offer the most promising conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 5.62 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This period provides an excellent opportunity for maximizing solar energy generation.
Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.28 kWh per day. These months offer a good balance of sunlight hours and moderate temperatures, contributing significantly to the annual solar energy production.
However, the picture changes dramatically during autumn and winter. Autumn sees a substantial drop in output to 1.79 kWh per day, while winter production plummets to a mere 0.79 kWh per day. This stark seasonal contrast poses challenges for year-round reliance on solar energy in Ikast.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ikast, Central Jutland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 47 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated considering the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar energy production in Ikast:
- Cloud cover: Denmark's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: Being relatively far north, Ikast experiences very short days during winter, limiting the hours of sunlight available for energy production.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove snow and debris, particularly during winter months.
- Consider a hybrid system combining solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round.
While Ikast's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the more favorable spring and summer months.
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 Ikast
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.1379, Longitude: 9.1555 (Ikast, 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 Ikast, Denmark
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ikast, Denmark (Lat/Long 56.1379, 9.1555) 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 Ikast, 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 Ikast, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40° South in Summer | 58° South in Autumn | 69° 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 Ikast, 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 Ikast, 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 Ikast, Denmark
The area around Ikast, Denmark, is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain. This region is part of the Central Jutland peninsula and features a landscape that has been shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. The topography consists of low hills, shallow valleys, and expansive plains, with elevations typically ranging from 50 to 100 meters above sea level.
The surrounding countryside is a mix of agricultural land, scattered woodlands, and small lakes or ponds. The soil in this area is generally fertile, supporting both crop cultivation and livestock farming. The gentle slopes and open spaces are interspersed with hedgerows and small clusters of trees, creating a patchwork appearance typical of rural Denmark.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
- Open, flat or gently sloping land with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Good exposure to sunlight, particularly from the south
- Easy access to existing electrical infrastructure for grid connection
- Land that is not prime agricultural soil or ecologically sensitive
Given these criteria, the areas to the south and west of Ikast might be particularly well-suited for solar PV development. These regions tend to have more open, agricultural land with fewer forested areas, providing ample space and good sun exposure. The relatively flat terrain in these directions would minimize the need for extensive land preparation and allow for efficient layout of solar panels.
However, it's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed surveys and environmental impact assessments. Factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to residential areas, and potential impacts on wildlife would also need to be carefully considered before any large-scale solar PV project could be implemented in the vicinity of Ikast.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 27th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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.
