Solar PV Analysis of Kajaani, Finland
The location at Kajaani, Kainuu, Finland, is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. This means it doesn't get a lot of sunlight throughout the year compared to places closer to the equator. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power changes with each season:
- In summer, you can expect about 5.65 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day
- In autumn, this drops significantly to about 1.10 kWh/day
- In winter, it's even lower at around 0.33 kWh/day
- Spring sees an increase again with approximately 3.64 kWh/day
So clearly, summer and spring are the best times for generating solar power in Kajaani.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 53 degrees towards the south would maximize total yearly production from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
As far as environmental or weather factors go that could affect solar production - Finland experiences long winters with short daylight hours and heavy snowfall which can cover panels thereby reducing their efficiency significantly. Also during winter months there may be many days where skies are overcast leading to less sunlight reaching the panels.
To counter these issues:
1) Panels should be installed in a way so they're easy to access and clean off any snow build-up.
2) Use of automated cleaning systems or heated panels can also help keep them clear.
3) Solar trackers could also be used which adjust panel orientation throughout the day maximizing exposure to sun rays.
4) Using high-quality PV modules designed for low-light performance might also help improve efficiency during darker months.
Remember though that despite these challenges and mitigations, overall annual output will still likely be lower than what you'd see in more sunny locations closer to equator due simply due geographical location and climate.
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 Kajaani
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 64.2361, Longitude: 27.7396 (Kajaani, 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 53° South in Kajaani, Finland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kajaani, Finland (Lat/Long 64.2361, 27.7396) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 53° 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 Kajaani, 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 Kajaani, Finland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 53° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47° South in Summer | 64° South in Autumn | 75° South in Winter | 56° 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 Kajaani, 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 Kajaani, 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 Kajaani, Finland
Kajaani, Finland is located in a region characterized by relatively flat to slightly hilly terrain. The area is known for its extensive forested areas and numerous lakes and rivers. The city itself sits on the Kajaaninjoki river near Lake Oulujärvi.
In terms of solar PV potential, it's important to note that Finland receives less sunlight than countries closer to the equator due to its high latitude. However, this does not mean that solar energy production is impossible or inefficient. In fact, during summer months (from May to August), Finland experiences long daylight hours which can be beneficial for solar power generation.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would typically be open and flat spaces with minimal shading from trees or other structures. Therefore, cleared land within the surrounding forests could potentially serve as good locations if they are accessible and have necessary infrastructure nearby.
Another factor to consider would be proximity to existing power grids for ease of transmission. It might also be possible to utilize space on rooftops of larger buildings within Kajaani city itself.
However, any decision regarding installation of large-scale solar panels should take into account a comprehensive feasibility study considering all these factors along with local regulations and environmental impact assessments.
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: Wednesday 5th of June 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.
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.
