Solar PV Analysis of Mandal, Norway
The location at Mandal, Agder, Norway is not ideal for generating solar energy year-round due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. However, there are certain times of the year when it can be more effective.
During summer and spring, you could generate a decent amount of electricity from solar power with 5.67kWh/day and 4.12kWh/day per kW of installed solar respectively. These seasons would be the most productive periods for solar energy generation in Mandal.
In contrast, autumn and winter offer much less potential for harnessing solar power due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity with only 1.52kWh/day and 0.68kWh/day per kW of installed solar respectively.
If you're installing fixed panel installations in this location, it's best to tilt your panels towards the south at an angle of 48 degrees - this will maximize your total yearly production from your photovoltaic (PV) system.
However, there are environmental factors that could hinder your PV system's performance in Mandal such as snowfall during winter which can cover up panels reducing their effectiveness or even rendering them useless until cleared off. To mitigate this issue, consider installing automated panel cleaning systems or use coatings that prevent snow accumulation on panels.
Moreover, Norway experiences relatively low temperatures throughout the year which might affect some components' efficiency within a PV system (like batteries). Therefore proper insulation or temperature regulation measures should be considered during installation phase to ensure optimal operation under these conditions.
Lastly but importantly: cloudy weather common in Norwegian climate can also negatively impact sunlight reaching PV panels thus decreasing their output significantly especially during non-summer months when sunlight is already limited due to shorter days; therefore one must factor-in these fluctuations while calculating annual yield estimates from any proposed PV installation here.
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 Mandal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 58.0249, Longitude: 7.4538 (Mandal, 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 48° South in Mandal, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mandal, Norway (Lat/Long 58.0249, 7.4538) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Mandal, 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 Mandal, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42° 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 Mandal, 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 Mandal, 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 Mandal, Norway
Mandal, Norway is located in the southern part of the country and is characterized by a mix of coastal areas, forests, hills and valleys. The town itself lies at the mouth of the Mandalselva river and has a relatively flat topography. However, as you move away from the coast into more inland areas, there are numerous hills and elevated terrains.
In terms of large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas would be most suitable to allow for maximum sun exposure. Areas with less tree cover would also be preferable to avoid shading issues. Given Mandal's location near the coast, it could potentially benefit from higher levels of sunlight reflected off water bodies.
It's important to note that Norway's high latitude means it experiences significant seasonal variation in daylight hours - long days during summer but very short days during winter. Therefore while solar energy can still be harnessed here (and indeed there are successful solar energy projects in Norway), its efficiency may not match that seen in countries closer to equator.
As such, any decision on large scale solar PV installation should take into account these geographical and climatic factors along with economic considerations like cost of land acquisition or leasing etc., grid connection costs among others.
Lastly always consult local regulations regarding renewable energy installations because some regions have strict rules about land use for such purposes.
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 19th of May 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.
