Isafjordur, Westfjords, Iceland, situated at 66.0715°N, -23.1301°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents unique challenges and opportunities for solar PV energy generation. The location's extreme seasonal variations in daylight hours significantly impact its solar energy potential throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Isafjordur fluctuates dramatically across seasons: • Summer: 4.48 kWh/day per kW installed • Autumn: 0.85 kWh/day per kW installed • Winter: 0.15 kWh/day per kW installed • Spring: 3.21 kWh/day per kW installed

These figures highlight the stark contrast between summer and winter production. The long days of the Arctic summer provide excellent solar generation potential, while the brief, dim winter days yield minimal output.

Optimal Generation Periods

The most productive periods for solar energy in Isafjordur are late spring, summer, and early autumn. During these months, the extended daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy generation. However, the location's proximity to the Arctic Circle means that even during peak summer, the sun's angle remains relatively low compared to more southerly latitudes.

Panel Tilt Angle

For fixed panel installations in Isafjordur, Westfjords, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 54 degrees facing south. This steep angle helps compensate for the generally low sun position and optimizes capture of available sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Isafjordur: 1. Snow and ice accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency. 2. Limited winter daylight: The polar night period severely restricts winter generation. 3. Cloud cover: Frequent overcast conditions can diminish solar irradiance. 4. Salt spray: Proximity to the sea may lead to salt accumulation on panels.

Mitigation Strategies

To enhance solar energy production in Isafjordur, Westfjords, consider these measures: • Install panels at the optimal 54-degree tilt to promote snow shedding and maximize light capture. • Use anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings to reduce snow adhesion and salt buildup. • Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall or during periods of increased salt spray. • Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources, such as wind, to compensate for low winter solar output.

While Isafjordur's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the extended daylight periods of summer.

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 Isafjordur

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 66.0715, Longitude: -23.1301 (Isafjordur, 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:

Average 4.48kWh/day in Summer.

Average 0.85kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.15kWh/day in Winter.

Average 3.21kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 54° South in Isafjordur, Iceland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Isafjordur, Iceland (Lat/Long 66.0715, -23.1301) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 54° 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.

At Latitude: 66.0715, Longitude: -23.1301, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 54° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Isafjordur, 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 Isafjordur, Iceland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 54° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Isafjordur, 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 Isafjordur, Iceland.

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 Isafjordur, Iceland

The topography around Isafjordur, Iceland is characterized by dramatic and rugged landscapes typical of the Westfjords region. Isafjordur itself is nestled in a small, relatively flat area at the base of steep mountains that rise abruptly from the sea. The town is situated on a narrow spit of land that juts out into the Skutulsfjordur, a long, narrow fjord.

The surrounding terrain is dominated by towering, steep-sided mountains that have been carved by glaciers over millions of years. These mountains often have flat or gently sloping tops, known as plateaus, which contrast sharply with their nearly vertical sides. The coastline is deeply indented with numerous fjords, creating a complex network of narrow inlets and peninsulas.

Valleys between the mountains are typically U-shaped, another result of glacial activity. These valleys often contain rivers and streams that flow down from the higher elevations. The higher parts of the mountains are often barren, with exposed rock and little vegetation, while lower slopes and valleys may have a covering of grass, moss, and low-growing shrubs.

Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the options are somewhat limited due to the challenging terrain. However, there are a few possibilities to consider:

1. The plateau areas on top of the mountains could potentially be suitable, as they offer relatively flat surfaces and unobstructed exposure to the sky. However, access to these areas would be difficult, and harsh weather conditions could pose challenges.
2. Some of the broader valley floors, particularly those further inland from the coast, might offer enough flat land for solar installations. These areas would be more accessible but might receive less sunlight due to shadowing from surrounding mountains.
3. Coastal areas on the outskirts of Isafjordur, where the land is flatter, could be potential sites. However, these areas are limited in size and may already be in use for other purposes.

It's important to note that while Iceland has abundant renewable energy resources, particularly geothermal and hydroelectric, its high latitude means it receives limited sunlight for much of the year, especially in winter. This factor, combined with the challenging topography, makes large-scale solar PV less practical in this region compared to other renewable energy sources.

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.

©Copyright Aaron Robinson and profileSOLAR.com 2019-2025

Home
Solar: United States
Solar: Worldwide
Solar Panel Tilt Angle
Login

Privacy
Disclaimer
Impressum
Contact Us