Solar PV Analysis of Lahti, Finland
Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, Lahti, Finland offers a distinctive environment for solar power generation. Given its latitude of 60.9706 and longitude of 25.6501, the seasonal variation in solar energy output is pronounced. The summer season yields an impressive average of 5.72 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity, making it the most productive period for solar energy harnessing.
However, as autumn arrives with shorter days and less intense sunlight, this figure drops significantly to an average daily yield of just 1.40 kWh per kW installed capacity. The winter season presents even more challenging conditions due to extreme cold temperatures and limited daylight hours resulting in a further reduction to a mere average daily yield of 0.50 kWh per kW installed.
The onset of spring brings some respite with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures leading to an improved average daily output reaching up to 3.96 kWh per kW installed capacity.
Despite these seasonal fluctuations, Lahti's geographical position allows for optimizing panel installation by tilting them at an angle of approximately 50 degrees towards the south which maximizes sun exposure throughout the year.
However, it's important to note that weather conditions can pose significant challenges given that Lahti experiences more frequent cloudy days across all seasons compared to locations closer to equator which could potentially impede efficient solar production.
To mitigate these potential issues and ensure optimal performance from your installation regardless of local weather conditions or topography factors such as shading from nearby buildings or trees; consider incorporating high-quality panels known for their excellent low-light performance along with regular maintenance checks on your system including cleaning panels regularly from snow or dust accumulation which can significantly reduce efficiency levels if left unchecked.
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 Lahti
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.9706, Longitude: 25.6501 (Lahti, 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 50° South in Lahti, Finland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lahti, Finland (Lat/Long 60.9706, 25.6501) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 50° 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 Lahti, 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 Lahti, Finland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 50° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44° South in Summer | 62° South in Autumn | 73° 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 Lahti, 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 Lahti, 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 Lahti, Finland
The topography around Lahti, Finland is generally flat with low hills and some larger lakes. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be on the flat plains near the city, as long as there are no obstructions such as trees or buildings in the way. Areas that have a south facing orientation will receive higher amounts of sunlight throughout the day, making them more efficient for solar energy production.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 20th of October 2023
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.
