Nordhavn, Capital Region, a district in Copenhagen, Denmark, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Located at 55.7171°N, 12.5907°E, this site in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panel efficiency in Nordhavn fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer months offer the best conditions, with an impressive 5.78 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 4.54 kWh/day/kW. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 1.90 kWh/day/kW, while winter performance plummets to a mere 0.83 kWh/day/kW.
The stark contrast between summer and winter output highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy production in this northern location. The long days of summer provide ample sunlight for energy generation, making it an ideal time for solar power. Conversely, the short, often overcast days of winter significantly hamper solar efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Nordhavn, Capital Region, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 46-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight possible throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun with the higher summer sun path.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Nordhavn:
- Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter
- Short daylight hours during winter months
- Potential snow and ice accumulation on panels
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing these preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
- Install snow guards or heating elements to prevent snow accumulation
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris
- Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources during low-production months
While Nordhavn's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and technology can still make solar a viable part of the energy mix, especially when combined with other renewable sources.
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 Nordhavn
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.7171, Longitude: 12.5907 (Nordhavn, 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 46° South in Nordhavn, Denmark
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nordhavn, Denmark (Lat/Long 55.7171, 12.5907) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Nordhavn, 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 Nordhavn, Denmark. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° 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 | 47° 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 Nordhavn, 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 Nordhavn, 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 Nordhavn, Denmark
Nordhavn is a coastal district located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The topography of the area is primarily flat and low-lying, typical of the Danish coastline. Nordhavn itself is a former industrial harbor that has been undergoing redevelopment into a modern urban area. The land is largely artificial, created through land reclamation over the years, which has resulted in a relatively uniform and level surface.
The surrounding areas of Copenhagen and the wider Zealand region share similar topographical features. The landscape is generally characterized by gentle slopes and low elevations, with few significant hills or mountains. The highest point in the entire Zealand region is only about 125 meters (410 feet) above sea level, which gives an idea of how flat the terrain is in this part of Denmark.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider:
- Open spaces: Large, unobstructed areas are ideal for solar farms. The rural areas surrounding Copenhagen, particularly to the west and southwest, might offer suitable locations.
- Flat terrain: The generally flat landscape of the region is advantageous for solar installations, as it simplifies construction and maximizes sun exposure.
- Coastal areas: While close proximity to the sea can increase humidity and potentially impact solar panel efficiency, coastal areas often have higher levels of solar irradiance due to reflections from the water surface.
Given these factors, some potentially suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Nordhavn might include:
- Agricultural lands in the municipalities west of Copenhagen, such as Høje-Taastrup or Roskilde
- Open areas in the southern part of Zealand, where there is less urban development
- Repurposed industrial sites or brownfield areas in the greater Copenhagen region
However, it's important to note that Denmark's high latitude means it receives less direct sunlight compared to more southern European countries, which can impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. Additionally, local regulations, land use policies, and environmental considerations would need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar projects in the 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 19th of September 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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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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