Kleppe, Rogaland, Norway, situated at 58.7814° N, 5.6312° E, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation. This Northern Temperate Zone site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impact the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Kleppe varies dramatically across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.35 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.24 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in energy output, with 1.51 kWh/day and a mere 0.62 kWh/day, respectively.

These figures highlight that the ideal time for solar energy generation in Kleppe is from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimizing Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Kleppe, Rogaland, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 49 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather-related factors can impede solar production in Kleppe:

1. Long, dark winters: The high latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting solar generation.
2. Cloud cover: The coastal location can lead to frequent cloud cover, reducing solar irradiance.
3. Snow and ice: Winter accumulation on panels can block sunlight and decrease efficiency.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install snow guards or heating elements to prevent snow accumulation on panels.
• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions.
• Implement a robust cleaning and maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance.
• Consider combining solar PV with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent year-round power generation.

While Kleppe's location presents challenges for solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, careful system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, especially when complemented by other renewable sources.

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 Kleppe

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 58.7814, Longitude: 5.6312 (Kleppe, 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 Kleppe, Norway

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kleppe, Norway (Lat/Long 58.7814, 5.6312) 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 Kleppe, 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 Kleppe, 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
43° 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 Kleppe, 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 Kleppe, 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 Kleppe, Norway

The topography around Kleppe, Norway, located at coordinates 58.7814°N, 5.6312°E, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, low-lying coastal plains, and scattered rocky outcrops. This region, situated on the southwestern coast of Norway, is part of the larger Jæren district known for its relatively flat landscape compared to the more mountainous interior of the country. Kleppe itself sits on a slightly elevated area, with the terrain gradually sloping down towards the North Sea to the west. The surrounding countryside features a patchwork of agricultural fields, interspersed with small woodlands and numerous streams and rivers that meander through the landscape. The coastline near Kleppe is marked by sandy beaches and dunes, with some areas of rocky shoreline.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain of the Jæren district offers some potential locations, particularly in the agricultural areas surrounding Kleppe. These open spaces provide the necessary land area for solar farms and have fewer obstacles that could cast shadows on the panels. However, it's important to note that the region's high latitude results in limited sunlight during winter months, which could impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. Additionally, the frequent cloud cover and precipitation in this coastal area may further reduce solar energy potential. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Kleppe would likely be found on gently south-facing slopes, away from the immediate coast where salt spray could damage equipment. Former agricultural lands or brownfield sites that are no longer in use could also be considered, as they would minimize the impact on current land use. It's worth noting that while the topography around Kleppe may offer some suitable locations for solar PV, the region's climate and latitude mean that other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, might be more efficient in this particular area of Norway.

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.