Solar PV Analysis of Grimstad, Norway
Grimstad, Agder, Norway, is a location that can produce varying amounts of solar energy throughout the year. In simpler terms, how much electricity you can get from solar panels installed here depends on the season.
During summer and spring, you can expect to generate more electricity as these seasons provide more sunlight. Specifically, in summer you could get around 5.87 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. Meanwhile in spring, this drops slightly to about 4.38 kWh/day per kW.
On the other hand, autumn and winter don't offer as much sunlight which results in less power generation. During autumn you'll only get about 1.64 kWh/day per kW and it gets even lower in winter with just 0.62 kWh/day per kW.
To maximize your total yearly solar production at this location with fixed panel installation (meaning they don't move or adjust), it's best to tilt your panels towards the South at an angle of 49 degrees.
As for local factors that might affect your solar production: Grimstad is located near the sea which may cause salty air corrosion on your panels over time if not properly maintained or protected against such conditions; also its northern latitude means less daylight during winter months which will significantly reduce power generation during those times.
To prevent these issues from affecting your energy production too much:
- Make sure to use corrosion-resistant materials when installing your solar panels or apply protective coatings regularly.
- Consider using adjustable mounts so that you can change the angle of your panels throughout the year to catch more sun.
- Regularly clean and maintain your system to ensure optimal performance even under challenging conditions.
Keep in mind though that while these measures will help improve performance under specific circumstances they won't eliminate seasonal fluctuations due entirely due to shorter daylight hours particularly during winter months when there's simply less available sunlight for power generation.
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 Grimstad
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 58.3611, Longitude: 8.6167 (Grimstad, 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 Grimstad, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Grimstad, Norway (Lat/Long 58.3611, 8.6167) 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 Grimstad, 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 Grimstad, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42° South in Summer | 60° South in Autumn | 71° South in Winter | 50° 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 Grimstad, 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 Grimstad, 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 Grimstad, Norway
Grimstad, Norway is located in the southern part of the country along the Skagerrak coast. The topography of Grimstad is characterized by a combination of coastal plains and hilly terrains. It has a mix of residential areas, agricultural lands, forests and some small mountains. The coastline features several small islands and skerries.
As for solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are typically most suitable as they minimize installation costs and maximize efficiency. In Grimstad's case, the coastal plains and agricultural lands would be ideal for such installations due to their relatively flat terrain.
However, it's important to note that Norway's high latitude means it receives less sunlight than countries closer to the equator. This doesn't mean solar power is unfeasible – during summer months Norway experiences long daylight hours which can be utilized for solar power generation – but it does reduce overall efficiency compared to more equatorial locations.
Furthermore, local weather conditions should also be taken into account: Grimstad has a temperate oceanic climate with relatively mild winters but also considerable precipitation throughout the year which could potentially limit solar output.
Finally, any large-scale project would need careful environmental impact assessment considering local ecosystems (particularly in forested or coastal areas) as well as potential aesthetic impact on this scenic 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 11th of March 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
