Solar PV Analysis of Kopavogur, Iceland
The location of Kopavogur, Capital Region, Iceland is not ideal for year-round energy generation using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. This area experiences significant seasonal variations in sunlight which affect the amount of solar energy that can be generated.
During summer, you can expect an average output of 4.64 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of installed solar power. This is a relatively good amount and makes summer the most productive season for solar energy in this location.
However, during autumn and winter, the output significantly drops to 1.10 and 0.26 kilowatt-hours per day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles.
Spring sees a substantial increase with an average output of 3.66 kilowatt-hours per day as daylight hours begin to lengthen again.
If you're installing fixed-panel solar PV systems at this location, it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 53 degrees facing southwards to maximize total annual production from your system.
As far as local factors that could impede solar production are concerned: weather conditions such as prolonged periods of overcast skies or snowfall could reduce output; topographical features like mountains or tall buildings may block sunlight; environmental factors like dust or bird droppings on panels could also lower their efficiency.
To mitigate these issues when installing your system:
- Choose a site with minimal shading throughout the year.
- Regularly clean your panels to remove any dust or debris.
- Consider installing a snow guard if heavy snowfall is common in your area.
Remember though - while Kopavogur might not be perfect for generating power via solar PV all year round due to its geographical location and weather patterns, it doesn't mean it's impossible - just less efficient compared with areas closer to equator where sunlight is more consistent throughout the year.
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 Kopavogur
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 64.1015, Longitude: -21.8763 (Kopavogur, 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 Kopavogur, Iceland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kopavogur, Iceland (Lat/Long 64.1015, -21.8763) 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 Kopavogur, 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 Kopavogur, 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 Kopavogur, 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 Kopavogur, 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 Kopavogur, Iceland
The topography around Kopavogur, Iceland is mostly flat with some rolling hills. The area has a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, making it well-suited for large scale solar PV systems. Areas to the north and east of Kopavogur that are slightly elevated may be best suited for large scale solar PV as they would provide more consistent access to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, open fields or areas with limited tree cover could also be suitable locations for large scale solar PV installations.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 29th of July 2023
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.
