Solar PV Analysis of Heimdal, Norway
Heimdal, Trøndelag, Norway, situated at latitude 63.3483 and longitude 10.3636, presents unique challenges and opportunities for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours and solar intensity, which greatly impact the potential for solar energy production throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy output in Heimdal varies dramatically across the seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an impressive 4.95 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 3.84 kWh per day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in solar output, with 1.10 kWh and 0.37 kWh per day, respectively.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The ideal period for solar energy production in Heimdal 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 production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 52 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the low sun angles during winter months and the higher sun position in summer.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can significantly impact solar production in Heimdal:
- Snow accumulation: Heavy snowfall during winter months can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency.
- Limited daylight: The extreme reduction in daylight hours during winter severely constrains solar energy production.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
- Use snow-shedding coatings on panel surfaces
- Implement a regular panel cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall
- Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources during low-production months
While Heimdal's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate measures can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this unique northern environment.
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 Heimdal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 63.3483, Longitude: 10.3636 (Heimdal, 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 52° South in Heimdal, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Heimdal, Norway (Lat/Long 63.3483, 10.3636) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 52° 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 Heimdal, 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 Heimdal, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 52° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46° South in Summer | 65° South in Autumn | 75° South in Winter | 54° 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 Heimdal, 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 Heimdal, 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 Heimdal, Norway
The area around Heimdal, Norway, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. Situated in the Trøndelag region, Heimdal is part of the larger Trondheim municipality. The landscape is typical of the Norwegian lowlands, with elevations generally ranging from sea level to about 200 meters above sea level.
The topography in this region has been shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a combination of shallow valleys, low ridges, and some areas of more level ground. The nearby Nidelva River has also played a role in shaping the local terrain, creating some flatter areas along its banks.
Forests, primarily consisting of coniferous trees like spruce and pine, cover much of the surrounding area. Interspersed among these wooded areas are patches of agricultural land and open fields, particularly in the flatter sections.
When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, it's important to note that Norway's high latitude poses some challenges for solar energy production. However, some locations in the vicinity of Heimdal could potentially be utilized:
1. The more open, flatter areas to the south and southeast of Heimdal might be suitable, as they offer larger contiguous spaces with less shading from hills or forests.
2. Some of the gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest could also be considered, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
3. Former agricultural lands or cleared areas that are no longer in use might provide opportunities for solar installations without significantly impacting current land use.
It's worth noting that while these areas might be topographically suitable, other factors such as local climate conditions, proximity to power infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar PV project in this 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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 28th of September 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.
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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.
