Solar PV Analysis of Larvik, Norway
The location at Larvik, Vestfold, Norway is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. However, there are certain times of the year when solar power generation can be quite effective.
During summer and spring, you can expect a decent amount of electricity output from your installed solar panels - around 5.72 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.19 kWh/day in spring per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity. This means that these seasons are the most efficient periods for generating solar power at this location.
In contrast, autumn and winter see a significant drop in potential energy production with only about 1.56 kWh/day and 0.60 kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar capacity due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity.
To maximize total annual production from your photovoltaic (PV) system at this location, it's recommended that you tilt your fixed panel installation towards south at an angle of approximately 49 degrees.
However, several environmental or weather-related factors could potentially impede solar energy production here:
1. Snow Cover: In winter months snow can cover panels reducing their effectiveness.
2. Low Sunlight Intensity: Being located far north means fewer hours of sunlight especially during winter months.
3. Cloud Cover: Frequent cloudy or foggy conditions can reduce sunlight exposure.
Preventative measures you could take include:
1.Snow Removal: Regularly removing snow from panels will ensure they get as much light as possible.
2.Panel Positioning: Panels should be positioned so they receive maximal sunlight throughout the day; adjusting angles according to season may also help.
3.Use Efficient Panels: Using high-efficiency PV cells will help capture more light even under less than ideal conditions
So while Larvik isn't an optimal place for constant year-round solar power generation due to its geographical position and local weather patterns, with the right setup and maintenance, it can still be a viable source of renewable energy, particularly in the sunnier months.
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 Larvik
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.0411, Longitude: 10.0934 (Larvik, 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 Larvik, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Larvik, Norway (Lat/Long 59.0411, 10.0934) 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 Larvik, 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 Larvik, 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 | 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 Larvik, 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 Larvik, 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 Larvik, Norway
Larvik, Norway is located in the Vestfold og Telemark county and has a diverse topography. It's characterized by hilly terrain with forests, farmlands, and a long coastline along the Skagerrak strait. The town itself is relatively flat but surrounded by hills and mountains.
As for large-scale solar PV installations, flat open areas are typically best suited due to ease of installation and maintenance as well as optimal sun exposure. Farmland or other open areas around Larvik could potentially be suitable for this purpose.
However, it should also be noted that Larvik's latitude means it experiences significant seasonal variation in sunlight hours - long hours of daylight during summer but very short days during winter. Additionally, Norway generally has a high amount of cloud cover which can impact solar power generation efficiency.
Therefore, while there may be suitable physical locations around Larvik for large-scale solar PV installations from a topographical perspective, the local climate conditions may not be ideal for maximizing solar energy production year-round compared to locations closer to the equator or with more consistent sunshine throughout the year.
It would also be necessary to consider local regulations and community attitudes towards renewable energy infrastructure when planning such projects.
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: Sunday 30th of June 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.
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.
