Solar PV Analysis of Kuopio, Finland
The location at Kuopio, North Savo, Finland is not ideal for generating solar energy year-round due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. This means that it doesn't receive as much sunlight throughout the year as locations closer to the equator. However, there are still periods of the year when solar generation can be effective.
In summer, you can expect to generate about 5.69 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy per day for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This is a decent amount and makes summer an ideal time for solar power generation in Kuopio.
In autumn, this drops significantly to only 1.18 kWh/day per kW of installed solar power, making it less ideal for generating energy from the sun.
Winter is even worse with only 0.41 kWh/day per kW generated - so it's really not a good time for relying on solar power in this location.
Spring sees an improvement again with around 3.98 kWh/day per kW which makes it a better season than autumn or winter but still not as good as summer.
If you're installing fixed panel installations at this location, they should be tilted at an angle of 52 degrees South to maximise total yearly production from your panels.
As far as environmental factors go, Finland is known for its long winters and short days during that period which could impede your ability to generate sufficient amounts of solar energy during those months. Additionally, heavy snowfall could cover panels reducing their effectiveness further and also potentially damaging them if not removed promptly.
To counteract these issues:
1) You may want to consider installing adjustable panels that can be tilted more towards the low winter sun or even tracked with the sun's movement across sky.
2) Regular maintenance including snow removal would help ensure your panels remain efficient throughout winter.
3) Installation of wind turbines could also provide an alternative renewable source during periods when solar isn't as effective.
In conclusion, while Kuopio, North Savo, Finland isn't the most ideal location for year-round solar energy production, it can still be a viable option particularly during summer months with the right installation and maintenance.
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 Kuopio
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 62.8807, Longitude: 27.6928 (Kuopio, 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 52° South in Kuopio, Finland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kuopio, Finland (Lat/Long 62.8807, 27.6928) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 52° 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 Kuopio, 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 Kuopio, Finland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 52° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46° South in Summer | 64° South in Autumn | 74° South in Winter | 55° 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 Kuopio, 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 Kuopio, 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 Kuopio, Finland
Kuopio, Finland is located in a region characterized by a mix of rolling hills, forests, and numerous lakes. The landscape is generally flat to gently undulating. The city itself is situated on an isthmus surrounded by Lake Kallavesi.
As for the suitability for large-scale solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations, it would depend on several factors such as land availability, solar insolation levels, and local regulations among others. Generally speaking though:
1. Open areas with little to no tree cover would be ideal to maximize exposure to sunlight. This could include agricultural lands or other open fields.
2. Areas near existing infrastructure (roads, power lines) would also be beneficial to reduce installation and maintenance costs.
3. Flat or gently sloping areas are preferred as steep slopes can make installation more difficult and can reduce the efficiency of the panels due to non-optimal angles towards the sun.
However, it's important to note that Kuopio's high latitude means that it receives less sunlight annually compared to locations closer to the equator. The long winter months with short daylight hours also limit solar production during that period of time.
Therefore while technically possible and potentially beneficial in summer months especially with long daylight hours due its location near polar region , large-scale solar PV might not be as efficient or cost-effective in Kuopio compared with other forms of renewable energy or locations closer towards the equator where there are more consistent levels of sunshine year-round.
It should also be noted that any proposal for a large scale project would need thorough site-specific feasibility studies which consider all these factors along with environmental impact assessments before proceeding further.
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: Tuesday 30th 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.
