Solar PV Analysis of Roskilde, Denmark
Roskilde, Zealand, Denmark, situated at 55.6588°N, 12.0825°E, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the prime season for solar energy production in Roskilde, Zealand, with an impressive daily output of 5.78 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.54 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with outputs of 1.90 kWh/day and 0.83 kWh/day, respectively.
These figures highlight the substantial difference between the peak and trough of solar generation in Roskilde. The long summer days in this northern latitude contribute to excellent production during the warmer months, while the short, often overcast winter days result in minimal output.
Optimizing Solar Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Roskilde, Zealand, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 46-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar production in Roskilde:
- Cloud cover: Denmark's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Short winter days: The high latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting the hours of potential solar generation.
- Snow and ice: Winter precipitation can cover panels, reducing efficiency if not promptly removed.
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing snow guards or heating elements to prevent snow accumulation. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and incorporating energy storage systems can help balance out the seasonal variations in production.
In conclusion, while Roskilde's location is excellent for solar energy during summer and spring, the significant drop in production during autumn and winter means that supplementary energy sources or robust storage solutions should be considered for year-round energy reliability.
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 Roskilde
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.6588, Longitude: 12.0825 (Roskilde, 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 Roskilde, Denmark
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Roskilde, Denmark (Lat/Long 55.6588, 12.0825) 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 Roskilde, 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 Roskilde, 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 Roskilde, 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 Roskilde, 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 Roskilde, Denmark
The topography around Roskilde, Denmark, is generally characterized by gentle, rolling hills and low-lying plains. This area is part of the larger Zealand region, which is known for its relatively flat landscape. The terrain around Roskilde is mostly composed of glacial deposits, resulting in a mix of fertile agricultural land and scattered woodlands.
The city of Roskilde itself sits on the shores of Roskilde Fjord, a long, narrow inlet that extends from the Isefjord. The land gradually rises as you move away from the fjord, but the elevation changes are typically modest. To the east and south of Roskilde, the terrain remains fairly level, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys. To the west, the landscape becomes slightly more undulating, with some areas reaching heights of around 50 to 60 meters above sea level.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings. They should also have good access to existing infrastructure for power transmission.
Based on these criteria, some of the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Roskilde might include:
- The agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Roskilde, where there are expansive, open fields with minimal obstructions.
- Areas to the west of the city, where the slightly higher elevation could potentially offer good sun exposure.
- Some of the more open spaces to the east, particularly where there are larger gaps between forested areas.
It's important to note that while the topography around Roskilde is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and grid connection capabilities would also need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar installations. Additionally, Denmark's northern latitude means that the angle and efficiency of solar panels would need to be carefully optimized to maximize energy production throughout the year.
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: Saturday 27th of July 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
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.
