Naantali, Southwest Finland, Finland, situated at 60.4656°N, 22.0111°E, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. This coastal city in southwestern Finland experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential, which greatly impacts the efficiency of solar power production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output at Naantali varies dramatically across the four meteorological seasons:

• Summer: 5.88 kWh/day per kW installed
• Spring: 3.99 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 1.45 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 0.51 kWh/day per kW installed

These figures highlight the stark contrast between summer and winter production, with summer yielding over 11 times more energy than winter per day.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable period for solar energy production in Naantali is from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. Summer, in particular, stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation, benefiting from the region's long summer days.

Panel Tilt Angle for Maximum Efficiency

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Naantali, Southwest Finland, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 50 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun path variations.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Naantali: 1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency. Regular snow removal or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue. 2. Limited winter daylight: The region experiences very short days in winter, severely limiting solar production. While unavoidable, this emphasizes the importance of maximizing production during other seasons. 3. Cloud cover: Naantali's coastal location can lead to frequent cloud cover, reducing solar irradiance. Using high-efficiency panels and incorporating energy storage systems can help offset the impact of cloudy periods.

Preventative Measures

To enhance solar energy production in Naantali, Southwest Finland, consider these strategies: 1. Use bifacial solar panels to capture reflected light, particularly useful in snowy conditions. 2. Implement a solar tracking system to follow the sun's path, increasing energy capture, especially during longer summer days. 3. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and snow removal, is crucial to maintain optimal performance. 4. Combine solar PV with other renewable energy sources, such as wind, to create a more reliable year-round energy system.

While Naantali's location poses challenges for year-round solar energy production, thoughtful system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly when focused on maximizing output during the more favorable 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 Naantali

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.4656, Longitude: 22.0111 (Naantali, 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 Naantali, Finland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Naantali, Finland (Lat/Long 60.4656, 22.0111) 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 Naantali, 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 Naantali, 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
43° South in Summer	62° 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 Naantali, 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 Naantali, 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 Naantali, Finland

The topography around Naantali, Finland, is characterized by a mix of coastal and inland features typical of the southwestern Finnish archipelago region. Naantali itself is situated on the mainland, but it's surrounded by numerous small islands and islets that dot the nearby waters of the Baltic Sea.

The terrain in and around Naantali is generally low-lying, with gentle hills and shallow valleys. The coastline is irregular, featuring many bays, inlets, and peninsulas. Inland, you'll find a landscape of mixed forests, agricultural fields, and scattered rocky outcrops. The highest points in the area are typically no more than 50-60 meters above sea level, creating a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape.

The region also includes several lakes and ponds, though they are generally small compared to the larger lakes found in other parts of Finland. The soil in this area is often thin, with bedrock close to the surface in many places, which is a common characteristic of the Finnish coastal regions.

Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, there are several factors to consider:

1. Open spaces: The most suitable areas would be those with large, unobstructed spaces that receive ample sunlight. Agricultural fields or cleared areas that are not prime farmland could be good candidates.

2. Slightly elevated areas: While the region is generally low-lying, choosing slightly elevated areas can help maximize sun exposure and reduce the risk of shadowing from surrounding trees or structures.

3. Mainland locations: While the archipelago is scenic, the mainland areas near Naantali would likely be more practical for large-scale installations due to easier access and infrastructure connections.

4. Areas away from dense forests: The region has mixed forests, but areas with fewer trees would be preferable to minimize shading and the need for clearing.

5. Locations near existing infrastructure: Areas close to roads and power grid connections would be more cost-effective for developing large-scale solar projects.

Given these considerations, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be found in the more open, mainland areas to the north and east of Naantali. These areas tend to have more expansive agricultural lands and fewer of the coastal features that might complicate large-scale development. However, specific site selection would require detailed local surveys and environmental impact assessments to ensure optimal placement and minimal ecological disruption.

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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.