Solar PV Analysis of Furnes, Norway
The location at Furnes, Innlandet, Norway is not ideal for generating energy via solar PV year-round due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. This means it experiences significant variation in sunlight hours and intensity throughout the year.
In summer, when there are long daylight hours and high sun intensity, a lot of energy can be generated - about 5.65kWh per day for each kW of installed solar power. Spring also provides a decent amount of energy with around 4.01kWh per day.
However, during autumn and especially winter, the amount of sunlight decreases significantly leading to much less energy generation - only around 1.50kWh/day in autumn and a mere 0.57 kWh/day in winter.
Therefore, if you're considering installing solar panels here, you should know that they will be most effective during spring and summer months.
When installing these panels at this location, it's best to tilt them at an angle of 51 degrees facing south to maximize exposure to sunlight all year round.
As for factors that could hinder solar production here: Norway is known for its cold climate which can sometimes include heavy snowfall during winter months that could cover up your panels reducing their effectiveness drastically or even damaging them physically if not properly maintained or protected against such weather conditions like snow load on roofs where they are mounted typically.
Another factor would be cloudy days which are quite frequent especially outside summer season; clouds block direct sunlight thus reducing potential output from your system even further than just lack of enough daylight hours alone would do so already as mentioned earlier regarding different seasons' outputs above.
To combat these issues:
- Regular maintenance including cleaning off any snow accumulation on your panels is crucial.
- You might want to consider investing into systems designed specifically for colder climates which usually feature more robust construction able to withstand harsher weather conditions better.
- As far as cloudiness goes: unfortunately there isn't much one can do about this one except maybe considering a hybrid system that includes other sources of renewable energy like wind power for example which can help offset some of the losses from lack of sunlight on cloudy days.
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 Furnes
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.8384, Longitude: 11.0352 (Furnes, 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 51° South in Furnes, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Furnes, Norway (Lat/Long 60.8384, 11.0352) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 51° 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 Furnes, 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 Furnes, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 51° 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 | 53° 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 Furnes, 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 Furnes, 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 Furnes, Norway
Furnes, Norway is situated in the southeastern part of the country and is characterized by a mix of flatlands and gentle rolling hills. The region is dotted with numerous lakes and rivers, with forests covering substantial parts of the landscape.
As for solar PV installation, it's important to note that Norway receives less sunlight compared to countries closer to the equator due to its high latitude. However, solar energy production is still possible. Flat open spaces without shade from trees or buildings would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
Areas around Furnes that could potentially be suited for large-scale solar PV include agricultural lands or other open fields where there are fewer obstructions to sunlight. However, it should also be considered that using agricultural land may conflict with food production.
It's crucial though that any potential site undergo a detailed assessment considering factors such as local climate (average sunshine hours), land availability & usage restrictions, proximity to power grids or demand centers etc., before deciding on suitability for large-scale solar PV installation.
Lastly, despite lower levels of sunlight especially in winter months due to its latitude position and longer nights, advances in technology have made it possible for photovoltaics systems to generate electricity even under low light conditions which means there still can be some potential albeit reduced capacity during these periods.
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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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.
