Tuusula, Uusimaa, Finland, located at 60.4102°N, 25.0095°E, presents a challenging environment for solar PV energy generation due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy production in Tuusula varies dramatically across seasons. Summer months offer the highest output at 5.64 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with a respectable 3.88 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a significant drop to 1.34 kWh/day, while winter production plummets to a mere 0.47 kWh/day.

These figures highlight that solar energy generation in Tuusula is most effective from late spring through early autumn. The long daylight hours during the summer solstice contribute significantly to the peak production period. Conversely, the winter months, characterized by short days and low sun angles, yield minimal solar output.

Optimal Panel Tilt

To maximize year-round solar production in Tuusula, Uusimaa, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 49 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Tuusula:

1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency. Installing panels at a steeper angle and using snow-shedding systems can mitigate this issue.
2. Cloud cover: Frequent overcast conditions, especially in autumn and winter, can significantly reduce solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy capture during limited sunny periods.
3. Low temperatures: While cold can actually improve panel efficiency, extreme cold may affect other system components. Choosing cold-resistant equipment is crucial.

To enhance solar production in Tuusula, Uusimaa, consider using bifacial panels to capture reflected light from snow, implementing solar tracking systems for increased efficiency, and ensuring regular maintenance to keep panels clean and free from snow or debris. While the location presents challenges, particularly in winter, proper system design and installation can still make solar PV a viable energy option, especially when combined with other renewable sources or energy storage solutions.

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 Tuusula

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.4102, Longitude: 25.0095 (Tuusula, 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 49° South in Tuusula, Finland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tuusula, Finland (Lat/Long 60.4102, 25.0095) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 49° 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 Tuusula, 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 Tuusula, Finland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 49° 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 Tuusula, 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 Tuusula, 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 Tuusula, Finland

The topography around Tuusula, Finland, is characterized by a gentle, rolling landscape typical of southern Finland. This area, located approximately 30 kilometers north of Helsinki, features a mix of forested areas, agricultural lands, and numerous lakes and ponds. The terrain is generally low-lying, with subtle elevation changes throughout the region. Tuusula itself is situated near Lake Tuusula, a long and narrow body of water that significantly influences the local landscape. The surrounding area is dotted with smaller lakes and waterways, creating a picturesque mosaic of land and water. The region's geology is primarily composed of glacial deposits, including moraines and eskers, which contribute to its gently undulating surface.

Forested Areas

Coniferous and mixed forests cover a significant portion of the land around Tuusula. These wooded areas consist mainly of pine, spruce, and birch trees, interspersed with clearings and meadows. The forest floor is often carpeted with moss, lichens, and small shrubs, typical of the boreal forest ecosystem.

Agricultural Lands

Interspersed among the forested areas are patches of agricultural land. These fields and pastures contribute to the area's diverse landscape, creating open spaces that contrast with the denser woodland regions. The relatively flat nature of these agricultural areas is a result of centuries of human activity and land management.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with good exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from trees or buildings. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Tuusula might be suitable: 1. Former agricultural lands or fallow fields that are no longer in active use. These areas often provide large, unobstructed spaces ideal for solar panel arrays. 2. Cleared areas within forested regions, provided they are sufficiently large and receive adequate sunlight throughout the day. 3. Industrial or commercial zones on the outskirts of urban areas, where large roof spaces or unused land parcels might be available. 4. Areas adjacent to existing infrastructure, such as near power lines or substations, to facilitate grid connection. It's important to note that while southern Finland receives less solar radiation compared to more southerly latitudes, advancements in solar technology have made PV installations increasingly viable in this region. However, careful site selection and planning are crucial to maximize the efficiency of any large-scale solar project in the Tuusula 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.