Solar PV Analysis of Horten, Norway
Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, Horten, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway has a varying solar power generation potential throughout the year. In terms of kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity, it averages 5.72 kWh in the summer season. This is due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight during these months.
In contrast, autumn sees a significant drop with an average generation of 1.56 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. The decrease in sunlight hours and potentially less direct sunlight due to the sun's position are contributing factors.
Winter months bring even less sunlight with an average production rate falling to 0.60 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. At this time of year, Horten experiences shorter days and lower sun angles which can greatly reduce photovoltaic energy production.
However, as spring arrives and daylight hours increase again, so does the energy output from solar panels with an average yield rising up to 4.19 kWh/day per kW.
The optimal tilt angle for fixed-panel installations at this location is towards 50 degrees South which helps maximize exposure to incoming sunlight throughout all seasons.
Despite its potential for generating renewable energy through photovoltaics, there are certain challenges that come with Horten's geographical location and climate conditions that could impede optimum performance of solar panels.
One such challenge includes cloud cover or snowfall that can obscure incoming sunlight hence reducing power output significantly especially during winter months when snow accumulation on panels can be substantial.
To mitigate these issues while installing PV systems in such regions one could consider incorporating panel heating systems or automatic snow removal devices; investing in high-quality panels designed specifically for cold climates; or employing regular maintenance services that ensure your system remains clear from obstructions like snow or debris.
Another preventative measure could be installing more than required number of panels based on calculations done considering peak summer production so as to compensate for reduced efficiency during other seasons ensuring consistent power supply throughout the year.
Remember though that each site requires unique considerations based on its specific environmental conditions hence professional consultation before installation is highly recommended.
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 Horten
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.4099, Longitude: 10.4896 (Horten, 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 Horten, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Horten, Norway (Lat/Long 59.4099, 10.4896) 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 Horten, 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 Horten, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43° South in Summer | 61° South in Autumn | 72° 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 Horten, 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 Horten, 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 Horten, Norway
The topography around Horten, Norway is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Areas near the coast would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to their proximity to the sea and potential for higher wind speeds. The surrounding areas of Vestfold County have a number of open fields that 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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 24th of August 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.
