Solar PV Analysis of Lillehammer, Norway
In Lillehammer, Innlandet, Norway, situated at a latitude of 61.0937 and longitude of 10.6055, the average daily kilowatt-hour (kWh) production per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity varies significantly with each season. During the summer months, this location can generate an impressive 5.46 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity due to long daylight hours and favorable sun angles in this Northern Temperate Zone. The spring season also offers substantial energy generation potential with an average output of 4.39 kWh/day per kW.
However, Lillehammer's solar power generation capability decreases during autumn and winter seasons when sunlight availability is reduced due to shorter days and lower sun angles; it averages 1.38 kWh/day per kW in autumn and drops further to a mere 0.59 kWh/day per kW in winter.
The optimal tilt angle for fixed-panel installations at this location is towards the south at an inclination of approximately 51 degrees; this positioning maximizes exposure to the sun's rays throughout the year.
Lillehammer's climate presents some challenges for maximizing solar power yield year-round due to its northern location which experiences heavy snowfalls during winter months that could cover panels thus reducing their efficiency or even causing damage if not properly managed.
To mitigate these issues when installing solar panels in Lillehammer or similar climates, it would be beneficial to consider measures such as regular maintenance schedules for clearing snow from panels or incorporating panel heating systems that can melt accumulated snow without damaging the panel itself.
It should also be noted that while rain could potentially reduce sunlight availability temporarily, it also helps clean dust off panels which can improve their overall efficiency over time by minimizing build-up on surfaces that could otherwise obstruct sunlight absorption.
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 Lillehammer
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 61.0937, Longitude: 10.6055 (Lillehammer, 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 51° South in Lillehammer, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lillehammer, Norway (Lat/Long 61.0937, 10.6055) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 51° 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 Lillehammer, 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 Lillehammer, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 51° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44° South in Summer | 62° South in Autumn | 73° South in Winter | 53° 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 Lillehammer, 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 Lillehammer, 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 Lillehammer, Norway
The topography around Lillehammer, Norway is mostly flat and low-lying. The highest point in the area is the mountain peak of Gålå (1,722 meters). Areas to the south of Lillehammer are generally more hilly than those to the north.
Areas that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations include flat, open areas with good access to roads and electricity grids. Any land with a southern exposure would also be ideal for solar power production due to its direct sunlight. Some potential locations could include farmland or open grassland near Vinstra, Sør-Fron or Biri.
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: Friday 1st of December 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.
