Solar PV Analysis of Keflavik, Iceland
In Keflavik, Southern Peninsula, Iceland (latitude: 63.9687, longitude: -22.5638), the average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity varies significantly across seasons. During summer, solar panels can generate an average of 4.37 kWh per day per kW, while in winter this figure drops to a mere 0.31 kWh. Spring and autumn offer moderate energy generation potential with averages of 3.67 kWh and 1.05 kWh per day per kW respectively.
Keflavik's location within the Northern Temperate Zone results in milder summers characterized by longer days and colder winters with shorter daylight hours compared to other regions at similar latitudes. Consequently, solar power generation is more favorable during the summer months when sunlight is abundant.
However, various environmental factors can impact solar energy production in Keflavik throughout the year. Weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, wind speed, and cloud cover can hinder solar power generation efficiency – particularly during winter months when temperatures are lower and daylight hours are limited.
To optimize solar energy production at this location year-round, it is recommended that fixed-panel installations be tilted at an angle of 53 degrees facing southward to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout all seasons.
When installing solar panels in Keflavik or similar locations with challenging weather conditions or topography features that could impede energy production significantly (e.g., nearby mountains casting shadows on panels), it may be beneficial to consider additional measures such as incorporating microinverters for individual panel optimization or using bifacial modules that capture light from both sides of the panel for increased efficiency.
Overall, while Keflavik's climate presents some challenges for consistent year-round solar power generation due to its seasonal variations in daylight hours and weather conditions affecting sunlight availability; careful planning and implementation of appropriate technologies can help ensure greater energy production from installed systems despite these obstacles.
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 Keflavik
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 63.9687, Longitude: -22.5638 (Keflavik, 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 Keflavik, Iceland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Keflavik, Iceland (Lat/Long 63.9687, -22.5638) 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 Keflavik, 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 Keflavik, 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 | 65° 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 Keflavik, 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 Keflavik, 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 Keflavik, Iceland
The topography around Keflavik, Iceland is mostly flat with some low hills. The nearby areas that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV are the flat plains and open spaces. These areas provide an unobstructed view of the sky, allowing maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the year. Additionally, there is plenty of space available for large-scale installations without having to worry about obstructions or shading from other structures or terrain features.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 15th of August 2022
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.
