Harstad, Troms, Norway, located in the Arctic Circle at latitude 68.8075 and longitude 16.5511, presents unique challenges and opportunities for solar PV energy generation. This location experiences extreme seasonal variations in daylight hours, significantly impacting solar energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Harstad varies dramatically across seasons. Summer yields the highest output at 4.43 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with 3.15 kWh/day, while autumn sees a significant drop to 0.83 kWh/day. Winter, as expected in the Arctic Circle, produces minimal energy at just 0.10 kWh/day.

The ideal time for solar energy generation in Harstad is clearly during the summer months when the region experiences the midnight sun phenomenon. This period of constant daylight allows for extended solar production. Spring and early autumn also offer reasonable solar potential, though with shorter daylight hours compared to summer.

Panel Tilt Optimization

To maximize year-round solar production in Harstad, Troms, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 56-degree tilt angle facing south. This optimal angle accounts for the low sun position in the sky at this high latitude and helps capture the most sunlight possible throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Harstad:

1. Snow accumulation: Heavy snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency.
2. Low temperatures: While cold can improve panel efficiency, extreme cold may affect other system components.
3. Limited winter sunlight: The polar night period results in minimal to no solar production for weeks.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
• Use high-quality, cold-resistant components
• Implement a regular panel cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall
• Consider supplementary energy sources for winter months

While Harstad's location presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the extended daylight hours of summer.

Note: The Artic Circle includes any location with a latitude North of 66.5°.

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 Harstad

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 68.8075, Longitude: 16.5511 (Harstad, 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 56° South in Harstad, Norway

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Harstad, Norway (Lat/Long 68.8075, 16.5511) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 56° 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 Harstad, 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 Harstad, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 56° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
52° South in Summer	69° South in Autumn	78° South in Winter	59° 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 Harstad, 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 Harstad, 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 Harstad, Norway

The topography around Harstad, Norway, is characterized by a diverse and rugged landscape typical of the country's northern coastal regions. Situated on the island of Hinnøya, Harstad is surrounded by a mix of fjords, mountains, and islands that create a stunning and complex terrain. The city itself is nestled along the shoreline of the Vågsfjorden, with the urban area primarily occupying the relatively flat coastal strip. As one moves away from the coast, the land quickly rises into steep, forested hills and mountains. These elevations provide breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords and islands but also present challenges for development and infrastructure. To the east and northeast of Harstad, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous, with several peaks reaching heights of over 1,000 meters. These mountains are part of the larger Scandinavian Mountains range that runs through much of Norway. The rugged nature of this terrain creates numerous valleys and smaller fjords that cut into the landscape.

Potential for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors must be taken into account. The challenging topography of the region limits the available flat or gently sloping areas that are typically ideal for solar farms. Additionally, Harstad's high latitude means it experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight, with long summer days but very short winter days. Despite these challenges, there are some potential areas that could be considered for solar PV development: 1. Coastal plains: The relatively flat areas along the coast, particularly to the south of Harstad, might offer some suitable locations for solar installations. These areas generally have fewer obstructions and could potentially accommodate larger arrays of solar panels. 2. Cleared hilltops: Some of the less steep hilltops in the region, if cleared of vegetation, could provide elevated locations for solar farms. These sites might benefit from increased exposure to sunlight, especially during the long summer days. 3. Repurposed land: Any large, flat areas that have been previously developed for industrial or agricultural use could be potential candidates for solar PV installations. These might include former quarries, unused fields, or decommissioned industrial sites. 4. Floating solar: Given the abundance of fjords and sheltered waters in the area, floating solar PV systems could be an innovative solution. These installations could take advantage of the available water surface without competing for limited land resources. It's important to note that while these areas might be physically suitable for solar PV, the economic viability of large-scale solar projects in this region would need careful assessment due to the challenging light conditions during winter months. Additionally, any development would need to consider environmental impacts and local regulations.

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.