The location in Askim, Østfold, Norway, situated at latitude 59.5978 and longitude 11.1752, presents both opportunities and challenges for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which greatly impact the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy generation at this location is highly variable across the four meteorological seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an impressive output of 5.72 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 4.19 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic decrease in energy production, with outputs of 1.56 kWh/day and a mere 0.60 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The ideal period for solar energy production in Askim spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The summer solstice, occurring around June 21st, marks the peak of solar potential in this region.

Panel Installation Considerations

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 50 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather-related factors can impact solar production in Askim:

1. Snow accumulation during winter months can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
2. Frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, can diminish solar energy capture.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following preventative measures:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
• Use snow-shedding coatings on panels
• Implement a regular panel cleaning schedule
• Consider bifacial solar panels to capture reflected light from snow

While Askim's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and installation techniques can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area.

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 Askim

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.5978, Longitude: 11.1752 (Askim, 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 50° South in Askim, Norway

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Askim, Norway (Lat/Long 59.5978, 11.1752) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 50° 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 Askim, 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 Askim, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 50° 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 Askim, 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 Askim, Norway.

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 Askim, Norway

The topography around Askim, Norway, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, forested areas, and agricultural land. Situated in the southeastern part of the country, Askim lies within the Østfold region, which is known for its relatively flat terrain compared to the more mountainous areas of western Norway. The landscape surrounding Askim features low-lying hills and valleys, with elevations generally ranging from 100 to 200 meters above sea level. The area is dotted with small lakes and ponds, and the Glomma River, Norway's longest river, flows nearby to the west of the town. This river valley contributes to the region's overall gentle topography. Forests, primarily consisting of coniferous trees such as pine and spruce, cover significant portions of the land around Askim. These wooded areas are interspersed with open fields and farmland, creating a patchwork of green spaces and cultivated plots. The soil in this region is generally fertile, supporting both forestry and agriculture.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations for solar farms in the vicinity of Askim would be: 1. Open, south-facing slopes: Gently sloping areas that face south would receive the most sunlight throughout the day, maximizing solar energy production. These could be found on the sides of hills or in cleared areas within the region's undulating landscape. 2. Agricultural land: Some of the existing farmland in the area could potentially be repurposed for solar installations. This would be particularly suitable if the land is less productive for crops or if farmers are looking to diversify their income. 3. Cleared forest areas: While it's important to preserve forests for environmental reasons, any existing cleared areas or regions slated for responsible deforestation could be considered for solar farms. 4. Industrial zones: If there are any industrial or commercial areas on the outskirts of Askim or in nearby towns, these could be suitable for rooftop solar installations or ground-mounted systems in unused lots. 5. Abandoned quarries or mines: If any such sites exist in the region, they could be repurposed for solar energy production, making use of otherwise unproductive land. It's important to note that while the topography around Askim is generally favorable for solar PV installations, the high latitude of Norway means that solar irradiance is lower compared to more southern locations. This factor, combined with long winter nights, would need to be carefully considered when planning large-scale solar projects in the area. Additionally, environmental impact assessments and local regulations would play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and location of any significant solar developments in the region.

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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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.