Solar PV Analysis of Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland, situated at a latitude of 64.1498 and longitude of -21.9024, experiences varied solar energy generation potential across different seasons due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. In summer, the city can harness an average of 4.64 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, while in spring this figure decreases to 3.66 kWh per kW.
As daylight hours diminish during autumn and winter seasons, the solar energy generation potential also drops significantly to 1.10 kWh per kW and a mere 0.26 kWh per kW respectively. Despite these fluctuations throughout the year, Reykjavik can still benefit from solar power if panels are optimally positioned.
For a fixed panel installation in this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 53 degrees towards the south is recommended for maximizing sunlight exposure and overall efficiency. While environmental factors such as snow or hail may pose challenges for solar power generation in Reykjavik, Capital Region, properly tilted panels can help mitigate these issues by shedding snow more effectively and maintaining adequate sunlight capture.
In conclusion, although Reykjavik's suitability for year-round solar power generation is affected by seasonal variations in daylight hours and weather conditions like snow or hail; with appropriate panel positioning at a tilt angle of 53 degrees southward it is possible to generate meaningful amounts of clean energy from installed photovoltaic systems throughout much of 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 Reykjavik
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 64.1498, Longitude: -21.9024 (Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik, Iceland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Reykjavik, Iceland (Lat/Long 64.1498, -21.9024) 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 Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik, 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 | 55° 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 Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik, Iceland
The topography around Reykjavik is mostly flat, with some rolling hills. Areas to the south and east of Reykjavik are most suited for large-scale solar PV due to their higher elevation and more direct access to sunlight. The flat terrain also makes it easier to install large arrays of solar panels without needing costly infrastructure.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 15th of May 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.
