Solar PV Analysis of Kauniainen, Finland
The location at Kauniainen, Uusimaa, Finland is somewhat ideal for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, the effectiveness varies throughout the year due to seasonal changes in sunlight availability.
In summer, this location can generate a considerable amount of electricity from solar PV systems - about 5.72 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This makes summer the best time of year for solar energy production in Kauniainen.
In spring and autumn, the amount of energy produced drops significantly to around 3.96kWh/day and 1.40kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar due to less sunlight compared to summer.
Winter is the least effective season for generating electricity from solar PV in this location because it only produces about 0.50 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity due to very limited daylight hours and low sun angles.
To maximize total year-round production from a fixed panel installation at this location, panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 49 degrees facing southward towards the sun which ensures they receive maximum sunlight exposure over the course of a year.
However, there are certain factors that could potentially hinder solar production at Kauniainen:
1) Weather: Finland experiences long winters with heavy snowfall which may cover up your panels reducing their efficiency.
Preventative measure: Regular maintenance including snow removal can ensure your panels operate effectively even during winter months.
2) Topography: Depending on where you live in Kauniainen, Uusimaa, nearby buildings or trees could cast shadows on your panels reducing their efficiency.
Preventative measure: Before installing your system be sure it's placed in an area that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout most parts of day all year round.
3) Latitude: Being located quite far north means there are fewer daylight hours especially during winter months.
Preventive measure: There's not much one can do about this, but having your panels at the right angle and keeping them clean will help maximize what sunlight is available.
In conclusion, while there are challenges to using solar PV in Kauniainen, Uusimaa, with proper placement and maintenance, it can still be a viable source of renewable energy especially during the 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 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 Kauniainen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.2167, Longitude: 24.7225 (Kauniainen, 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 Kauniainen, Finland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kauniainen, Finland (Lat/Long 60.2167, 24.7225) 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 Kauniainen, 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 Kauniainen, 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 Kauniainen, 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 Kauniainen, 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 Kauniainen, Finland
Kauniainen, Finland is located in the southern part of the country, near the coast. The topography of this area is characterized by a mix of flat and gently rolling terrain with numerous lakes and forests. The region experiences a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
Given its latitude and climate conditions, Kauniainen may not be the most optimal location for large-scale solar PV installations compared to other regions in the world. However, it's worth noting that solar energy can still be harnessed in these conditions - it's just less efficient due to fewer hours of sunlight (especially during winter months) and often overcast weather.
If considering locations nearby for large-scale solar PV projects:
1. Open fields or farmlands: These areas are flat and have little to no shading from trees or buildings which makes them suitable for such installations.
2. Rooftops: Large industrial or commercial rooftops could also be used to install solar panels without requiring additional land space.
3. Near coastal areas: These places might receive more sunlight due to less forest cover but wind speeds should also be considered as they could potentially damage the panels.
Finland has made significant strides in renewable energy production despite its challenging environment so it's definitely possible to harness solar power here but efficiency might not match up with sunnier climates like those found closer to the equator.
It’s important that any potential site undergoes a thorough assessment considering factors such as local weather patterns (including snowfall), availability of sunlight throughout the year (solar irradiance data), land slope & orientation etc., before deciding on setting up a large-scale solar PV project.
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: Thursday 25th of January 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.
