Solar PV Analysis of Ylistaro, Finland
Ylistaro, South Ostrobothnia, Finland, situated at latitude 62.9488 and longitude 22.5279, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours and solar intensity, which greatly impact the effectiveness of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
The solar energy output in Ylistaro varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer proves to be the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.70 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 4.08 kWh per day. However, the output drops significantly during autumn, yielding only 1.19 kWh per day, and plummets to a mere 0.41 kWh per day in winter.
These figures highlight the extreme contrast between summer and winter production, with summer generating nearly 14 times more energy than winter. This disparity is primarily due to the region's high latitude, resulting in very long summer days and extremely short winter days.
Optimal Panel Tilt and Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ylistaro, South Ostrobothnia, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 52 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can significantly impact solar energy production in Ylistaro:
- Snow accumulation: Heavy snowfall during winter months can cover solar panels, reducing or completely blocking energy production.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can drastically reduce solar irradiance.
- Low temperatures: Extremely cold temperatures can affect the efficiency of solar panels and other system components.
To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
- Use snow-shedding coatings on panel surfaces
- Implement a regular snow removal routine
- Choose high-quality, cold-resistant solar equipment
- Consider a hybrid system with wind energy to compensate for low solar production in winter
In conclusion, while Ylistaro's location presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful system design and maintenance can help maximize energy 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 Ylistaro
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 62.9488, Longitude: 22.5279 (Ylistaro, 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 52° South in Ylistaro, Finland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ylistaro, Finland (Lat/Long 62.9488, 22.5279) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 52° 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 Ylistaro, 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 Ylistaro, Finland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 52° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46° South in Summer | 64° 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 Ylistaro, 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 Ylistaro, 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 Ylistaro, Finland
The topography around Ylistaro, Finland is characterized by a relatively flat and gently rolling landscape. This region, located in the western part of Finland, is part of the Ostrobothnia plains, which are known for their low-lying terrain. The area surrounding Ylistaro consists primarily of agricultural fields, forests, and small rivers or streams.
The elevation in this region is generally low, with most of the land sitting between 20 to 80 meters above sea level. There are no significant mountains or steep hills in the immediate vicinity. The landscape is dotted with occasional small hills and ridges, which are remnants of ancient glacial activity that shaped the area thousands of years ago.
The Kyrönjoki River flows near Ylistaro, contributing to the local topography by creating shallow valleys and floodplains. This river system has played a crucial role in shaping the surrounding landscape over time, carving gentle slopes and depositing sediments along its course.
Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are several factors to consider. The ideal locations would be:
1. Open agricultural fields: The vast, flat farmlands surrounding Ylistaro could be well-suited for solar PV installations. These areas offer large, unobstructed spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
2. Cleared forest areas: While much of the region is forested, any cleared areas or regions with sparse tree cover could be potential sites for solar farms. These locations would need to be carefully selected to minimize environmental impact.
3. Slightly elevated areas: Although the region is generally flat, any subtle hills or elevated grounds could be advantageous for solar PV installations. These areas might receive more direct sunlight and experience less shadowing from surrounding vegetation.
4. Areas near existing infrastructure: Locations close to roads and power lines would be more practical for large-scale solar projects, as they would reduce the costs associated with transportation and grid connection.
It's important to note that while the topography around Ylistaro is suitable for solar PV in terms of its flatness and open spaces, the high latitude of Finland means that solar irradiance is relatively low compared to more southern regions. This factor, combined with long, dark winters, may impact the overall efficiency and economic viability of large-scale solar projects in this area. Careful planning and advanced solar technologies would be necessary to maximize energy production in this northern climate.
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: Saturday 5th of October 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.
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.
