Solar PV Analysis of Akranes, Iceland
The location at Akranes, West, Iceland is not ideal for year-round solar energy production. This is because the amount of electricity that can be generated from solar panels varies greatly throughout the year due to differences in daylight hours and sunlight intensity.
In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar power could generate about 4.33 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day, which is relatively high. However, in autumn this drops to just 1 kilowatt-hour per day and falls even further in winter to a mere 0.25 kilowatt-hours per day due to shorter days and less intense sunlight during these seasons. Spring sees an improvement with around 3.72 kilowatt-hours produced daily.
Therefore, the most ideal times for generating solar energy at this location would be during the longer daylight hours of spring and summer.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting the panels towards south at an angle of 53 degrees would help maximise total annual production from solar photovoltaics (PV). This angle allows panels to capture more sunlight as it moves across the sky throughout different times of year.
There might also be local factors that could hinder solar production here such as frequent cloud cover or snowfall which can obstruct sunlight reaching the panels. To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning or use of automated cleaning systems can help keep panels clear from snow or dust build-up thus ensuring better performance.
Additionally installing trackers that move panels so they always face directly towards sun could potentially increase output but may not always justify their additional cost due to already limited potential for generation especially in winter months.
Lastly considering alternative or supplementary renewable energy sources like wind turbines might also be beneficial given Iceland's known windy conditions particularly when sun availability is low during autumn and winter months.
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 19 locations across Iceland. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Iceland by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Akranes
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 64.3219, Longitude: -22.0844 (Akranes, Iceland), 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 53° South in Akranes, Iceland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Akranes, Iceland (Lat/Long 64.3219, -22.0844) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 53° 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 Akranes, Iceland
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 Akranes, Iceland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 53° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47° South in Summer | 66° South in Autumn | 75° 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 Akranes, Iceland
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 Akranes, Iceland.
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 Akranes, Iceland
Akranes, Iceland is located on the west coast of the country and has a largely coastal topography. The town sits in a relatively flat area with some low-lying hills nearby. However, further inland there are mountainous areas which include Mount Akrafjall.
As for solar PV installations, it's important to note that Iceland's latitude results in less sunlight than more equatorial regions, especially during winter months when daylight can be as short as 4 hours. Additionally, the weather tends to be cloudy often.
However, if you were considering large-scale solar PV installations near Akranes:
1) Flat open spaces: Large flat areas would be ideal for installing ground-mounted solar panels. These could potentially be found in the plains around Akranes or reclaimed land from previous industrial uses.
2) Rooftops: Given its urban nature, using rooftops of buildings in Akranes could also provide space for smaller scale solar installations.
3) South-facing slopes: If any south-facing slopes exist on the nearby low-lying hills or Mount Akrafjall they could potentially offer good locations due to increased sun exposure throughout the day.
Remember though that factors such as local climate conditions (cloud cover and precipitation), legal restrictions and environmental impact should also be considered alongside topography when planning large-scale solar projects.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 28th of June 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.
