Solar PV Analysis of Bergen, Norway
Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, Bergen, Vestland, Norway exhibits a unique seasonal variation in solar energy production. During the summer season, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity can generate an average of 5.35 kilowatt-hours per day. This figure drops to 1.26 kWh/kW daily during autumn and further decreases to 0.48 kWh/kW daily during winter due to shorter daylight hours and colder climate conditions. However, with the arrival of spring, solar energy production rebounds to an average of 4.11 kWh/kW per day.
Bergen's geographical position at latitude 60.3951 introduces specific challenges for optimizing solar power generation year-round due to its relatively high latitude which results in long winter nights and reduced sunlight availability during this period.
Moreover, Bergen is renowned for its high annual precipitation levels which could potentially reduce solar panel efficiency by obstructing sunlight penetration or causing dirt accumulation on panels over time.
To mitigate these factors as much as possible when installing a fixed panel system in Bergen, Vestland, it's recommended that panels be tilted at an angle of approximately 50 degrees facing southward; this orientation optimizes exposure towards incoming sunlight across different seasons and helps ensure greater energy production throughout the year.
Furthermore, regular maintenance including cleaning off accumulated debris from panels can help improve their efficiency despite local environmental challenges such as heavy rainfall or snowfall during certain periods of the year.
In summary, while Bergen might not offer optimal conditions for solar power generation throughout all seasons due to its geographical location and weather patterns - with strategic installation planning and regular maintenance - it still presents opportunities for substantial clean energy production particularly during summer and spring 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 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 Bergen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.3951, Longitude: 5.3237 (Bergen, 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 Bergen, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bergen, Norway (Lat/Long 60.3951, 5.3237) 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 Bergen, 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 Bergen, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44° South in Summer | 62° South in Autumn | 73° 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 Bergen, 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 Bergen, 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 Bergen, Norway
The topography around Bergen, Norway is mountainous and hilly. The highest peak in the area is Mount Floyen (429 m). Areas to the south of Bergen, such as Rong, which have more open terrain and less hills would be most suited for large-scale solar PV. Additionally, areas along the coast with good access to sunlight could also be suitable for solar PV installations.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 8th of December 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.
