Solar PV Analysis of Sandnes, Norway
The location at Sandnes, Rogaland, Norway, is not perfect for year-round solar energy generation but it could still be beneficial. During the summer and spring seasons, the place receives a reasonable amount of sunlight that can generate about 5.42kWh/day and 4.32kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar power. However, during autumn and winter, the sunlight decreases significantly to about 1.56kWh/day and 0.64kWh/day correspondingly.
The best times to generate solar energy would be in spring and summer when there's more daylight hours available due to the tilt of Earth's axis towards the sun during these periods.
For an efficient setup at this location, it is suggested that panels are tilted at an angle of 49 degrees facing south direction to capture as much sunlight as possible throughout the year.
There could be some local factors that might affect solar production in Sandnes like weather conditions or topography features which might cause shading on your panels such as tall trees or buildings nearby. These obstacles can block direct sunlight from reaching your panels reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate against these potential issues when installing your solar system:
1) Choose a spot with minimal shading throughout all seasons.
2) Regularly clean your panels from dust or snow accumulation which could reduce their performance.
3) Consider using tracking systems that move your panels following sun's path across sky maximizing exposure time.
4) You may also want to consider investing in high-efficiency modules designed for lower light conditions if budget allows.
In conclusion, while Sandnes may not have ideal conditions for year-round high-output solar production compared with locations closer to equator; by strategically planning installation you can still harness significant amounts of renewable energy from Sun particularly during longer daylight hours in Spring/Summer periods contributing towards reducing reliance on traditional power sources & helping environment through reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel use.
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 Sandnes
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 58.8782, Longitude: 5.7486 (Sandnes, 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 Sandnes, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sandnes, Norway (Lat/Long 58.8782, 5.7486) 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 Sandnes, 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 Sandnes, 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 | 71° 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 Sandnes, 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 Sandnes, 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 Sandnes, Norway
Sandnes, Norway is located in the southwestern part of the country and is characterized by a varied topography. The area includes coastal landscapes, lowland areas, as well as hilly and mountainous terrain. The city itself is relatively flat with some gentle slopes.
The region experiences a temperate oceanic climate with cool summers and mild winters. It has significant cloud cover throughout the year which can limit solar insolation. Despite this, solar energy can still be harnessed effectively during clear days especially during long summer days due to Norway's high latitude.
Areas most suited for large-scale solar PV installations would be open, flat areas that are exposed to sunlight with minimal shading from trees or buildings. Given Sandnes' coastal location, potential sites could include reclaimed land near the coast or on rooftops of large buildings in industrial areas.
In terms of specific nearby locations for large-scale solar PV installations:
1) Flat agricultural lands around Sandnes: These regions have less shading and could potentially host ground-mounted solar panels.
2) Rooftops in industrial zones: Large commercial or industrial buildings often have extensive rooftop spaces that are ideal for installing photovoltaic panels.
3) Near infrastructure like roads or rail lines: These places often have free space which can be used without impacting other land uses too much.
However, it should also be noted that any installation would need to consider environmental impacts and local planning regulations. Furthermore, given the high levels of cloud cover typical in this area, careful consideration should be given to whether other forms of renewable energy (such as wind or hydroelectric power) might offer a better return on investment.
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 23rd of February 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.
