Mo i Rana, Norway, situated at latitude 66.3108 and longitude 14.1203, presents a challenging location for year-round solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this city experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours and solar intensity, which greatly impact solar energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Mo i Rana varies dramatically across seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 4.89 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 3.77 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in solar energy production, with outputs of 0.93 kWh/day and a mere 0.19 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The ideal period for solar energy generation in Mo i Rana is from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The summer solstice, occurring around June 21st, marks the peak of solar potential in this region.

Panel Installation Considerations

To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 54 degrees facing south. This optimal tilt angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the low sun angle during winter months and the higher sun position in summer.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Mo i Rana:

• Long, dark winters: The city experiences polar nights from early December to early January, during which the sun doesn't rise above the horizon, severely limiting solar energy production.
• Snow and ice accumulation: Winter precipitation can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures when installing solar panels:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions to maximize energy capture during shorter winter days.
• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and to capture more light during low-sun periods.
• Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove snow and ice buildup.
• Consider a hybrid energy system that combines solar with other renewable sources to ensure consistent power supply throughout the year.

While Mo i Rana's location poses 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 months of the year.

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 Mo I Rana

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 66.3108, Longitude: 14.1203 (Mo I Rana, 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 54° South in Mo I Rana, Norway

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mo I Rana, Norway (Lat/Long 66.3108, 14.1203) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 54° 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 Mo I Rana, 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 Mo I Rana, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 54° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
49° South in Summer	66° South in Autumn	76° South in Winter	56° 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 Mo I Rana, 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 Mo I Rana, 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 Mo I Rana, Norway

The topography around Mo i Rana, Norway, is characterized by a diverse and rugged landscape typical of northern Scandinavian regions. Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, this area features a striking combination of fjords, mountains, and valleys carved out by ancient glaciers. Mo i Rana itself is nestled at the head of the Ranfjorden, a long, narrow fjord that stretches inland from the Norwegian Sea. The town is surrounded by steep, forested hills that rise dramatically from the water's edge. These hills gradually transition into more substantial mountains as you move further inland, with some peaks reaching heights of over 1,000 meters above sea level. To the east of Mo i Rana lies the vast Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, home to the Svartisen glacier, Norway's second-largest ice cap. This area is marked by high plateaus, deep valleys, and numerous lakes and rivers, creating a complex and varied terrain. The region's topography is heavily influenced by its geological history, with evidence of ancient folding and faulting visible in the rock formations. Valleys in the area often follow these geological fault lines, creating natural corridors through the mountainous landscape.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, there are several factors to take into account. The challenging topography of the region, with its many hills, mountains, and fjords, limits the availability of large, flat areas that are typically ideal for solar farms. However, some potential areas for solar PV development could include: 1. The valley floors: Wider valleys in the region may offer relatively flat terrain suitable for solar installations. These areas would need to be carefully selected to avoid locations prone to flooding or excessive shading from surrounding mountains. 2. Cleared forestland: Some areas of cleared forest on gentler slopes could potentially be repurposed for solar farms, though this would need to be balanced with environmental considerations. 3. Industrial areas: Mo i Rana has a history of industrial activity, and some former industrial sites on the outskirts of the town might offer suitable locations for solar installations. It's important to note that while the topography presents challenges, the biggest hurdle for large-scale solar PV in this region is likely to be the limited sunlight during the long winter months. Mo i Rana experiences the polar night from early December to early January, during which the sun doesn't rise above the horizon. This significantly reduces the potential for year-round solar energy production and would need to be carefully considered in any plans for large-scale solar PV development in the area.

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.

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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.