Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa, Finland, situated at latitude 61.2605 and longitude 24.0663, presents a challenging location for year-round solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts its overall efficiency.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production at this location varies dramatically across the four meteorological seasons:

• Summer: 5.66 kWh/day per kW installed
• Spring: 3.84 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 1.26 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 0.48 kWh/day per kW installed

These figures highlight the stark contrast between summer and winter production, with summer yielding nearly 12 times more energy than winter.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most ideal period for solar energy production in Valkeakoski is clearly during the summer months. Spring also offers relatively good potential, while autumn and winter present significant challenges due to limited daylight hours and lower sun angles.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 50 degrees facing South. This angle helps optimize solar capture during the productive summer months while also improving performance during the challenging winter period.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Valkeakoski: 1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue. 2. Limited daylight: During winter, Valkeakoski experiences very short days, severely limiting solar production. While this can't be prevented, using high-efficiency panels can help maximize output during limited daylight hours. 3. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter. Utilizing panels with good low-light performance can help maintain some production during overcast conditions. 4. Low temperatures: While cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency, extreme cold can potentially damage equipment. Using cold-resistant components and proper insulation for electrical systems is crucial.

Despite these challenges, implementing these preventative measures and focusing on maximizing production during the more favorable months can help improve the overall viability of solar PV systems in Valkeakoski.

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 Valkeakoski

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 61.2605, Longitude: 24.0663 (Valkeakoski, 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 Valkeakoski, Finland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Valkeakoski, Finland (Lat/Long 61.2605, 24.0663) 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 Valkeakoski, 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 Valkeakoski, 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 Valkeakoski, 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 Valkeakoski, 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 Valkeakoski, Finland

The landscape surrounding Valkeakoski, Finland, is characterized by a mix of gentle terrain and water features typical of the Finnish Lakeland region. Located in the southern part of the country, this area is marked by rolling hills, expansive forests, and numerous lakes and waterways. The topography around Valkeakoski is relatively flat to gently undulating, with modest elevation changes. The region is part of the Southern Boreal vegetation zone, which means it is dominated by coniferous forests interspersed with deciduous trees. These forests cover much of the land, creating a verdant backdrop to the area's natural beauty. One of the most prominent features of the local topography is the abundance of water bodies. Lakes of various sizes dot the landscape, connected by rivers and streams. The town of Valkeakoski itself is situated on an isthmus between two major lakes, Mallasvesi and Vanajavesi. This unique position has historically made the town an important center for water transport and industry.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Valkeakoski for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. While Finland's northern latitude means it receives less sunlight than more southern regions, especially during winter months, there are still opportunities for solar energy development. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Valkeakoski would likely be open, cleared spaces away from the densely forested regions. Former agricultural lands or brownfield sites could be potential candidates. These areas would ideally have a slight south-facing slope to maximize exposure to the sun, particularly during the long summer days when solar potential is highest. Areas to the south of Valkeakoski, where the terrain opens up more and there are fewer lakes, might offer better opportunities for large solar installations. These regions tend to have more expansive, uninterrupted land areas that could accommodate the scale required for significant solar farms. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, particularly given the region's rich natural beauty and ecological importance. Balancing renewable energy development with preservation of Finland's unique landscapes would be a key consideration in selecting suitable sites for solar PV installations near Valkeakoski.

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.