Solar PV Analysis of Helsinki, Finland
In Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (latitude: 60.1719, longitude: 24.9347), solar energy production varies significantly across different seasons. During the summer months, an average of 5.72 kWh per day per kW of installed solar can be generated, making it a suitable time for harnessing solar power. In autumn and spring, the average daily energy generation is lower at 1.40 kWh and 3.96 kWh respectively per kW of installed solar but still provides a reasonable amount of power.
However, winter months present a challenge with only an average of 0.50 kWh per day per kW of installed solar due to shorter days and lower sun angles that reduce the efficiency of sunlight capture by the panels. To optimize energy production in this location, it is recommended to tilt the panels at an angle of 49 degrees facing south.
Helsinki's position within the Northern Temperate Zone means that weather conditions can sometimes hinder solar power generation. Snow accumulation on panels may obstruct sunlight absorption and decrease efficiency; therefore, regular cleaning or installing snow guards can help maintain optimal performance during snowy periods.
Additionally, extended periods of cloudy weather may limit direct sunlight availability for conversion into electricity; however, modern photovoltaic systems are designed to work efficiently even under diffused light conditions.
Shading caused by snowfall or other obstructions should also be considered when designing panel arrays to minimize its impact on overall efficiency.
High winds pose another potential risk as they can cause physical damage to components or dislodge them from their mounting points altogether; thus proper anchoring and wind-resistant mounting systems should be employed during installation to ensure greater energy production despite these challenges.
Overall, while there are some seasonal limitations and weather-related challenges in Helsinki for generating solar power year-round, taking appropriate preventative measures during installation will help maximize energy production throughout all seasons in this location.
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 56 locations across Finland. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Finland by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Helsinki
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.1719, Longitude: 24.9347 (Helsinki, Finland), 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 49° South in Helsinki, Finland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Helsinki, Finland (Lat/Long 60.1719, 24.9347) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 49° 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 Helsinki, Finland
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 Helsinki, Finland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 49° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43° South in Summer | 61° South in Autumn | 72° South in Winter | 52° 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 Helsinki, Finland
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 Helsinki, Finland.
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 Helsinki, Finland
The topography around Helsinki, Finland is largely flat with some rolling hills. The city itself is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland and surrounded by forests. Areas to the north of Helsinki, such as Sipoo and Vantaa, are mostly flat with some hilly areas in the east. To the south, there are more hilly areas around Espoo and Kauniainen.
The most suitable area for large-scale solar PV installations would be any flat land near Helsinki that has good access to sunlight throughout the year. This could include fields or open spaces near Sipoo, Vantaa, Espoo or Kauniainen.
Finland solar PV Stats as a country
Finland ranks 59th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 404 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.30% of Finland's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 41st in the world). Each year Finland is generating 73 Watts from solar PV per capita (Finland ranks 45th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Finland?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Finland. The Finnish government offers a range of financial support and tax incentives for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. This includes grants, loans, and tax deductions. Additionally, the government has set up a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Finland? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 6th of August 2022
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.
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.
