Savonlinna, Southern Savonia, Finland, located at latitude 61.8918 and longitude 28.7995, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy production in Savonlinna fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.82 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 3.78 kWh/day/kW. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in solar output, with 1.26 kWh/day/kW and a mere 0.45 kWh/day/kW, respectively.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The ideal period for solar energy production in Savonlinna is from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The summer solstice, occurring around June 21st, marks the peak of solar potential in this region.

Panel Installation Considerations

To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 51 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the low sun angle during winter months and the higher sun position in summer.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Savonlinna:

1. Snow accumulation in winter, which can cover panels and reduce output
2. Limited daylight hours during winter months, significantly decreasing production

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. Robust mounting systems are also crucial to withstand potential heavy snow loads.

In conclusion, while Savonlinna's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and installation techniques can help maximize output during the more favorable months and mitigate the impact of environmental factors during the less productive seasons.

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 Savonlinna

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 61.8918, Longitude: 28.7995 (Savonlinna, 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 Savonlinna, Finland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Savonlinna, Finland (Lat/Long 61.8918, 28.7995) 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 Savonlinna, 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 Savonlinna, 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
45° South in Summer	63° South in Autumn	74° South in Winter	54° 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 Savonlinna, 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 Savonlinna, 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 Savonlinna, Finland

The topography around Savonlinna, Finland, is characterized by a picturesque landscape of lakes, forests, and rolling hills. This region, known as the Finnish Lakeland, is dotted with numerous bodies of water, creating a complex network of interconnected lakes and islands. The city of Savonlinna itself is situated on a series of islands in Lake Saimaa, the fourth largest lake in Europe. The terrain surrounding Savonlinna is generally low-lying, with gentle slopes and occasional rocky outcrops. The area's elevation typically ranges from 70 to 100 meters above sea level, with some higher points reaching up to 150 meters. The landscape is predominantly covered by boreal forests, consisting mainly of pine, spruce, and birch trees. These forests are interspersed with clearings, meadows, and agricultural lands.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Savonlinna for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors must be taken into account. While Finland's northern latitude means it receives less solar radiation compared to more southern regions, there are still opportunities for solar energy development. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Savonlinna would likely be found in open, relatively flat spaces that receive minimal shading. Agricultural lands or cleared forest areas could potentially be repurposed for solar installations. South-facing slopes, where available, would be particularly advantageous as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, it's important to note that the abundance of lakes and forests in the region may limit the availability of large, contiguous areas for solar farms. Additionally, the region's natural beauty and ecological importance may pose challenges in terms of land use regulations and environmental considerations. Potential sites for solar PV installations might be found in the following areas: 1. Former industrial or brownfield sites on the outskirts of Savonlinna 2. Cleared forest areas or less productive agricultural lands in the surrounding municipalities 3. Gently sloping hillsides facing south, particularly those with minimal tree cover It's worth mentioning that while large-scale solar PV might face some challenges in this region, smaller-scale installations on rooftops or in combination with other land uses could be more feasible and environmentally compatible options for harnessing solar energy in the Savonlinna 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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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.