Mikkeli, Southern Savonia, Finland, located at 61.6742°N, 27.2437°E, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours and solar intensity, which greatly impact solar energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy output in Mikkeli varies dramatically across seasons:

• Summer: 5.65 kWh/day per kW installed
• Spring: 3.75 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 1.22 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 0.43 kWh/day per kW installed

These figures highlight the extreme differences between summer and winter production, with summer generating over 13 times more energy than winter per day.

Optimal Generation Periods

The most ideal time for solar energy generation in Mikkeli is during the summer months, typically from June to August. During this period, the region experiences long daylight hours, sometimes referred to as the "midnight sun" phenomenon. Spring and early autumn also offer good potential for solar energy production, though not as high as summer.

Panel Tilt Angle

For fixed panel installations in Mikkeli, Southern Savonia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar PV production is 51 degrees facing South. This angle helps optimize energy capture during both summer and winter months, balancing the low winter sun angle with the higher summer sun position.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Mikkeli: 1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, reducing or completely blocking energy production. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue. 2. Limited winter daylight: The extremely short days during winter significantly reduce potential energy generation. While unavoidable, this emphasizes the importance of maximizing production during other seasons. 3. Cloud cover: Mikkeli experiences frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter. Using high-efficiency panels and microinverters can help maximize energy production even in low-light conditions. 4. Low temperatures: While cold temperatures can actually improve solar panel efficiency, extreme cold can potentially damage equipment. Using cold-resistant components and proper insulation for electrical systems is crucial.

To enhance solar energy production in Mikkeli, Southern Savonia, consider using bifacial panels to capture reflected light from snow, implementing a solar tracking system to maximize sun exposure, and ensuring regular maintenance to keep panels clean and free from snow or debris. Despite the challenges, with proper planning and technology, solar energy can still be a viable part of Mikkeli's energy mix, especially when combined with other renewable sources.

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 Mikkeli

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 61.6742, Longitude: 27.2437 (Mikkeli, 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 51° South in Mikkeli, Finland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mikkeli, Finland (Lat/Long 61.6742, 27.2437) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 51° 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 Mikkeli, 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 Mikkeli, Finland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 51° 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	63° South in Autumn	73° South in Winter	53° 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 Mikkeli, 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 Mikkeli, Finland.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Mikkeli, Finland

The topography around Mikkeli, Finland, is characterized by a diverse landscape typical of the Finnish Lakeland region. This area is known for its gently rolling terrain, interspersed with numerous lakes, forests, and low hills. The city of Mikkeli itself is situated on relatively flat ground, but as you move outward from the urban center, the landscape becomes more varied. To the north and east of Mikkeli, you'll find a mixture of forested areas and agricultural land. The terrain here is generally undulating, with small hills and valleys creating a patchwork of different elevations. Numerous lakes dot the landscape, including the large Lake Saimaa system to the southeast. These water bodies significantly influence the local topography, creating shorelines that range from gentle slopes to occasional steeper banks. To the west and southwest, the land becomes slightly more elevated, with some areas reaching heights of around 150-200 meters above sea level. This creates a subtle contrast to the lower-lying areas closer to the city center. Despite these variations, the overall impression is one of a relatively gentle landscape without dramatic changes in elevation.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Mikkeli for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would ideally combine favorable topography with practical considerations for solar energy production. Areas to the south and southwest of Mikkeli might be particularly well-suited for solar PV installations. These regions tend to have slightly higher elevations, which can provide better exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, the gently sloping terrain in these areas could allow for optimal positioning of solar panels to maximize sun exposure. Agricultural lands in the vicinity, particularly those with south-facing slopes, could also be potential candidates for solar farms. These areas often have the advantage of being already cleared of trees and having existing access roads, which can simplify the installation process. However, it's important to note that while the topography around Mikkeli can be suitable for solar PV, the region's high latitude means that solar irradiance varies significantly between seasons. The long summer days provide ample sunlight, but the short winter days present challenges. Therefore, any large-scale solar project in this area would need to carefully consider these seasonal variations in addition to the topographical advantages. Ultimately, the most suitable areas for solar PV near Mikkeli would be those that combine favorable topography with practical considerations such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, minimal environmental impact, and agreement from local landowners and communities.

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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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.