Ruutana, Pirkanmaa, Finland, situated at latitude 61.519 and longitude 24.0174, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation. This northern temperate zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential, which greatly impacts the effectiveness of solar PV systems throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Ruutana varies dramatically across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.58 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 3.76 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in solar production, with outputs of 1.20 kWh/day and a mere 0.46 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Panel Tilt

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ruutana, Pirkanmaa, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 50 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Ideal Generation Periods

The most favorable time for solar energy generation in Ruutana is undoubtedly the summer months, particularly June and July, when daylight hours are at their peak. Spring, especially late April and May, also offers good potential for solar production. These periods should be leveraged to offset the significantly reduced output during the darker autumn and winter months.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather-related factors can impede solar production in Ruutana:

1. Long, dark winters with minimal sunlight
2. Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter
3. Snow accumulation on panels during winter months

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Install snow-shedding systems or employ regular panel cleaning during winter
• Implement a dual-axis tracking system to maximize sunlight capture, especially during limited daylight hours
• Consider complementing the solar PV system with other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, to ensure consistent energy production throughout the year

While Ruutana's location poses significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful system design and implementation of appropriate technologies can help maximize the potential of solar PV in this northern region.

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 Ruutana

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 61.519, Longitude: 24.0174 (Ruutana, 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 Ruutana, Finland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ruutana, Finland (Lat/Long 61.519, 24.0174) 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 Ruutana, 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 Ruutana, 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	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 Ruutana, 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 Ruutana, 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 Ruutana, Finland

The area surrounding Ruutana, Finland, located at 61.519°N latitude and 24.0174°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the Finnish countryside. This region is part of the Southern Finland province, known for its gentle rolling hills, forests, and numerous lakes. The topography of Ruutana and its vicinity is predominantly flat to gently undulating, with occasional low hills and ridges. The area is part of the Finnish Lake District, which means that the landscape is dotted with numerous small to medium-sized lakes, ponds, and wetlands. These water bodies are interspersed among expanses of coniferous and mixed forests, creating a mosaic of land and water that is quintessentially Finnish.

Forest Cover and Vegetation

The forests in this area are primarily composed of pine, spruce, and birch trees, with an understory of shrubs and mosses. These woodlands play a significant role in shaping the local topography, covering much of the land between water bodies and settlements. The forest floor is often carpeted with a thick layer of moss and lichen, contributing to the region's unique ecosystem.

Water Features

Lakes and rivers are prominent features of the landscape around Ruutana. These water bodies were formed by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a complex network of interconnected waterways. The shorelines of these lakes are often irregular, creating numerous bays, inlets, and peninsulas that add to the area's scenic beauty.

Human Impact on the Landscape

While much of the area retains its natural character, human activities have also shaped the topography to some extent. Small settlements, agricultural fields, and infrastructure such as roads and power lines are present, though they are generally well-integrated into the natural landscape. Sustainable forestry practices have also influenced the distribution and composition of the woodlands in the region.

Potential for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors need to be taken into account. The relatively flat terrain in some parts of the region could be advantageous for solar farm development, as it would require minimal land preparation. Areas with fewer trees and more open spaces would be ideal for solar PV installations. Agricultural lands or cleared areas that are not currently in use might offer potential sites. However, it's important to note that Finland's high latitude means that solar insolation (the amount of solar radiation received) is lower compared to more southern locations, which could impact the efficiency of solar power generation. The numerous lakes in the area might present an opportunity for floating solar installations, which could maximize land use efficiency. Additionally, south-facing slopes of gentle hills, if present, could provide optimal angles for solar panel placement. It's crucial to balance the potential for solar energy development with the preservation of the region's natural beauty and ecological importance. Any large-scale solar projects would need to be carefully planned and implemented to minimize environmental impact and maintain the area's unique character.

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.