Solar PV Analysis of Aksdal, Norway
The location at Aksdal, Rogaland, Norway is not ideal for year-round solar energy generation due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. The amount of electricity produced by solar panels varies greatly throughout the year, with higher production in summer and spring (5.44kWh/day and 4.31kWh/day respectively), lower production in autumn (1.42kWh/day), and very low production during winter (0.58kWh/day) per kW of installed solar.
However, it's worth noting that even though winter has less sunlight hours and therefore less energy output, there is still some power generated which can be useful if stored properly or used immediately.
For optimal performance from a fixed panel installation at this location, the panels should be tilted at an angle of 49 degrees facing South to maximize total annual solar energy production.
There could be several environmental factors that might impede solar production in Aksdal. Given its northern latitude, Norway experiences long winters with snowfall which could cover the panels reducing their effectiveness significantly. Also, frequent cloud cover could limit sunlight exposure affecting efficiency of the panels.
To counter these issues when installing solar panels in such locations:
1) Regular maintenance routines should be implemented to ensure that snow does not accumulate on the surface of the photovoltaic cells.
2) Panels can also be installed on an adjustable mount so they can be angled more steeply during periods when snowfall is expected.
3) Using high-quality efficient PV modules will help as they perform better under cloudy conditions.
4) Battery storage systems might also prove beneficial for storing excess power generated during peak times for use during lower productivity seasons or days with poor weather conditions.
In conclusion, while Aksdal may not provide ideal conditions for year-round solar energy generation due to seasonal variations and possible weather challenges; careful planning including appropriate installation techniques along with regular maintenance can certainly improve overall efficiency making it a viable option especially considering the longer days during summer and spring.
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 114 locations across Norway. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Norway by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Aksdal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.422, Longitude: 5.4389 (Aksdal, Norway), 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 49° South in Aksdal, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aksdal, Norway (Lat/Long 59.422, 5.4389) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 49° 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 Aksdal, Norway
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 Aksdal, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 49° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43° South in Summer | 61° South in Autumn | 72° South in Winter | 51° 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 Aksdal, Norway
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 Aksdal, Norway.
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 Aksdal, Norway
Aksdal is located in the southwestern part of Norway, within the county of Rogaland. The topography around Aksdal is characterized by a mix of flat and hilly terrain with scattered forests, lakes and rivers. It's surrounded by mountains to the east and south-east, while opening up to coastal landscapes towards west.
As for solar PV potential, it's important to note that Norway overall receives less sunlight compared to countries closer to the equator due to its high latitude position. However, during summer months (May-August), daylight hours are long which can be beneficial for solar energy production.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Aksdal would likely be open flatlands or gently sloping hillsides that face southward for maximum sun exposure. These could potentially include agricultural lands or other non-forested areas where tree cover does not obstruct sunlight. Also, proximity to existing power infrastructure would be advantageous for connecting the solar farm into the grid.
However, any plan should consider local regulations on land use and environmental impacts as well as perform detailed site-specific assessments on factors like annual sunlight hours (solar irradiation), temperature (as extreme cold can affect panel efficiency) and snowfall (which can cover panels).
Norway solar PV Stats as a country
Norway ranks 70th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 225 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.10% of Norway's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 42nd in the world). Each year Norway is generating 42 Watts from solar PV per capita (Norway ranks 55th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Norway?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Norway. The Norwegian government offers a range of financial support and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. This includes grants, loans, and tax deductions. Additionally, the Norwegian Energy Agency provides funding for research and development projects related to renewable energy technologies. Finally, the Norwegian Power Company (Statkraft) offers discounted electricity rates for businesses that use solar power.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Norway? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 19th of June 2024
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.
