Solar PV Analysis of Porvoo, Finland
Porvoo, Uusimaa, Finland, situated at latitude 60.3969 and longitude 25.6542, presents a challenging location for year-round solar PV energy generation. This northern city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Porvoo fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summers are the most productive, with an average daily output of 5.72 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with 3.96 kWh/day, while autumn sees a significant drop to 1.40 kWh/day. Winters are particularly challenging, with a mere 0.50 kWh/day output.
The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the location's primary challenge for solar energy: the extreme variation in daylight hours. During the peak of summer, Porvoo experiences nearly 19 hours of daylight, creating ideal conditions for solar generation. Conversely, winter days are extremely short, with less than 6 hours of daylight at the winter solstice.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Porvoo, Uusimaa, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 50-degree tilt angle facing south. This angle is steeper than what's typically used in more southern locations, compensating for the lower sun angle at this northern latitude.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental factors can impact solar production in Porvoo:
- Snow accumulation in winter can cover panels, reducing output.
- Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, can diminish solar irradiance.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and incorporating snow removal systems can help maintain production during winter months. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensure optimal performance year-round.
Conclusion
While Porvoo's location presents challenges for solar PV generation, particularly during the winter months, the extended daylight hours in summer offer significant potential. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar energy can still be a viable supplementary power source, especially when combined with other renewable energy systems to balance the seasonal variations.
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 Porvoo
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.3969, Longitude: 25.6542 (Porvoo, 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 Porvoo, Finland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Porvoo, Finland (Lat/Long 60.3969, 25.6542) 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 Porvoo, 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 Porvoo, 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 Porvoo, 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 Porvoo, 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 Porvoo, Finland
The topography around Porvoo, Finland is characterized by a mix of coastal lowlands and gently rolling inland terrain. Porvoo is situated on the southern coast of Finland, where the Porvoo River meets the Gulf of Finland. The immediate coastal area is relatively flat, with some small islands and rocky outcrops dotting the nearby waters.
As you move inland from the coast, the landscape gradually becomes more varied. The terrain transitions into low hills and shallow valleys, creating a subtle undulating pattern across the region. This area is part of the Southern Finnish lake district, so you'll find numerous small lakes and ponds scattered throughout the countryside. The elevation generally increases as you move further north and west from Porvoo, but the changes are gradual rather than dramatic.
The region around Porvoo is also characterized by a mix of forests, agricultural fields, and small settlements. The forests are primarily composed of coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce, interspersed with some deciduous species like birch. These wooded areas contribute to the gently rolling appearance of the landscape.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Ideal locations for solar farms typically require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight. Given these criteria, the following areas near Porvoo might be suitable:
- The coastal plains to the south and southeast of Porvoo could offer potential sites for solar farms. These areas tend to be flatter and more open, which could provide good sun exposure.
- Agricultural lands to the north and northwest of Porvoo might also be suitable. Many of these areas have already been cleared for farming, which means they likely have minimal shading from trees or other obstacles.
- Some of the more open, less forested areas in the gently rolling terrain to the west and southwest of Porvoo could also be considered. While not as flat as the coastal areas, these locations might still offer sufficient space and sun exposure for solar installations.
It's important to note that while the topography around Porvoo can accommodate solar PV installations, the region's high latitude means it receives less intense sunlight compared to more southern locations, especially during the winter months. This factor would need to be carefully considered when planning any large-scale solar projects in the area.
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 15th of August 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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