Solar Energy Potential in Manger, Vestland, Norway

Manger, Vestland, Norway, situated at latitude 60.6399 and longitude 5.0343 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation. The seasonal variations in solar output are significant, with summer months offering the most potential for solar PV production. During the summer, solar panels in Manger can generate an impressive 5.35 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. This makes summer the ideal time for solar energy production in the region. Spring follows as the second-best season, with a daily output of 4.11 kWh per kW installed. However, the autumn and winter months tell a different story. In autumn, the daily output drops dramatically to 1.26 kWh per kW, while winter sees an even more severe decline to a mere 0.48 kWh per day. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of relying on solar energy year-round in this northern location.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Manger, Vestland, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 50 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather factors can significantly impact solar production in Manger: 1. Limited daylight hours: During winter months, Manger experiences very short days, severely limiting solar energy production. 2. Cloud cover: The region is known for frequent cloud cover, which can reduce solar panel efficiency. 3. Snow and ice: Winter accumulation of snow and ice on panels can obstruct sunlight and decrease energy output. To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be taken:

• Install panels at the optimal angle to maximize exposure during limited daylight hours
• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove snow and ice
• Consider incorporating a tracking system to follow the sun's path and increase energy capture

While Manger's location presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the more favorable spring and summer 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 Manger

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.6399, Longitude: 5.0343 (Manger, 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 Manger, Norway

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Manger, Norway (Lat/Long 60.6399, 5.0343) 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 Manger, 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 Manger, 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
44° South in Summer	62° South in Autumn	73° South in Winter	52° 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 Manger, 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 Manger, 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 Manger, Norway

The topography around Manger, Norway, is characterized by a mix of coastal and inland features typical of western Norway. Manger is located on the island of Radøy, which is part of the Nordhordland region, just north of Bergen. The area is known for its rugged and varied landscape.

The immediate vicinity of Manger consists of low-lying coastal areas with some gentle hills. The terrain gradually becomes more mountainous as you move inland from the coast. The island itself has a mix of rocky outcrops, small forests, and areas of open grassland. The coastline is irregular, with numerous small bays, inlets, and rocky shores.

The surrounding waters are dotted with many smaller islands and skerries, creating a complex archipelago. This coastal landscape is deeply influenced by glacial activity from the last ice age, resulting in U-shaped valleys and fjords in the nearby mainland areas.

Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the topography of the region presents some challenges. The most suitable areas for solar farms would likely be:

1. Flatter, open areas on the island of Radøy, away from the immediate coastline. These spaces, while limited, would offer the best opportunity for unobstructed sunlight.
2. Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest, which could potentially be found on the larger islands in the region or on the nearby mainland. These locations would maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
3. Cleared forest areas or former agricultural land that is no longer in use, provided they have good sun exposure and are not too steeply inclined.

However, it's important to note that this region of Norway faces some inherent limitations for solar power due to its high latitude. The area experiences long periods of darkness in winter and extended daylight in summer, which can affect the overall efficiency and consistency of solar energy production throughout the year. Additionally, the frequent cloud cover and precipitation in this coastal region may further impact solar energy potential.

Any large-scale solar PV project in this area would need to carefully consider these geographical and climatic factors, as well as the environmental impact on the local ecosystem and the visual effect on the scenic landscape that is characteristic of this part 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.