Vestmannaeyjar, South, Iceland, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy generation. Located at 63.4452° N, -20.2741° E, this archipelago experiences extreme seasonal variations in solar output, making it a less-than-ideal location for consistent solar PV production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Vestmannaeyjar fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer months offer the most promising conditions, with an average daily output of 4.38 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with a respectable 3.57 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a sharp decline to 1.10 kWh/day, while winter plummets to a mere 0.31 kWh/day.

These figures highlight that solar energy generation in Vestmannaeyjar is heavily skewed towards the summer months, with a significant drop-off during the darker half of the year. This extreme variation poses challenges for relying on solar PV as a consistent year-round energy source.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Vestmannaeyjar, South, fixed panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 52 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather-related factors can impede solar production in Vestmannaeyjar:

1. Extended periods of darkness during winter months
2. Frequent cloud cover and precipitation
3. Potential for snow and ice accumulation on panels
4. Strong winds and storms common to the region

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
• Install robust mounting systems to withstand strong winds
• Implement automated cleaning and snow removal systems
• Consider supplementary energy sources for winter months

While these measures can help improve solar energy production, it's important to note that Vestmannaeyjar's location presents significant obstacles to year-round solar PV viability. The extreme seasonal variations and challenging weather conditions make this site less than ideal for consistent solar energy generation, particularly during the 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 Vestmannaeyjar

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 63.4452, Longitude: -20.2741 (Vestmannaeyjar, 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 52° South in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland (Lat/Long 63.4452, -20.2741) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 52° 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 Vestmannaeyjar, 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 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 52° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
46° 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 Vestmannaeyjar, 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 Vestmannaeyjar, 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 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Vestmannaeyjar, also known as the Westman Islands, is a small archipelago located off the southern coast of Iceland. The topography of this area is characterized by its volcanic origins, resulting in a dramatic and rugged landscape both on the islands and the nearby mainland. The main island of Heimaey, where most of the population resides, features steep cliffs rising from the sea, formed by layers of volcanic rock. The island's interior is relatively flat, with several volcanic cones dotting the landscape. The most prominent of these is Eldfell, a volcano that erupted in 1973, significantly altering the island's shape and size.

Mainland Topography

The nearby mainland coast of Iceland, visible from Vestmannaeyjar, is equally striking. It consists of a narrow coastal plain backed by steep cliffs and mountains. These cliffs are part of the larger Icelandic highlands, a vast plateau that covers much of the country's interior. The coastline is punctuated by black sand beaches, formed from eroded volcanic rock, and glacial rivers that flow from the highlands to the sea.

Suitability for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby for large-scale solar PV installations, it's important to note that Iceland's high latitude results in limited sunlight during winter months, which can affect the efficiency of solar power generation. However, the long summer days can partially compensate for this. The most suitable areas for solar PV near Vestmannaeyjar would likely be on the mainland, specifically the coastal plain areas. These regions offer relatively flat terrain, which is ideal for installing large arrays of solar panels. The areas around the town of Hvolsvöllur and the plains near Eyjafjallajökull glacier could be potential candidates. It's worth noting that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land use, environmental considerations, and proximity to the electrical grid would also need to be taken into account. Additionally, Iceland's abundant geothermal and hydroelectric resources may make large-scale solar projects less economically attractive compared to other renewable energy options.

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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.