Solar PV Analysis of Sandsli, Norway
The location at Sandsli, Vestland, Norway, is not an ideal place for year-round solar energy production due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. However, it can still generate a significant amount of electricity from solar power during certain times of the year.
In summer and spring, this location can produce a lot of electricity from solar energy - 5.35 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.11 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This means that these seasons are the best times to generate solar energy at this location.
However, in autumn and winter, electricity production drops significantly - down to 1.26 kWh/day in autumn and as low as 0.48 kWh/day in winter for each kW of installed solar power due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 50 degrees towards the South is recommended to maximize total year-round production from the photovoltaic system.
As far as local factors that could impede solar production here are concerned: weather conditions like snowfall during winter could cover panels reducing their efficiency; also long periods without sunlight because of cloudy or foggy weather could affect productivity too.
To counteract these issues:
1) Consider installing systems that allow for easy removal or melting off snow on top.
2) Using high-quality panels with anti-reflective coatings can help capture more light during low-light conditions.
3) Regular maintenance checks will ensure optimal performance by keeping panels clean and free from any obstructions.
4) If possible consider battery storage systems which can store excess power produced during peak times (like summer/spring), ensuring there's enough supply when sunlight is less available (during winters/autumn).
So while not ideal throughout the whole year due to its geographical location and climate factors; with careful planning and maintenance, solar energy production can still be a viable option in Sandsli, Vestland, Norway.
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 Sandsli
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.2938, Longitude: 5.2883 (Sandsli, 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 Sandsli, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sandsli, Norway (Lat/Long 60.2938, 5.2883) 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 Sandsli, 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 Sandsli, 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 | 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 Sandsli, 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 Sandsli, 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 Sandsli, Norway
Sandsli, Norway is located in a coastal area characterized by a mix of flat and hilly terrain. The region features numerous fjords, mountains, and bodies of water. The highest point nearby is Ulriken Mountain which reaches 643 meters above sea level.
Given the relatively high latitude of Sandsli, the sun's angle is somewhat low for much of the year. This can reduce the effectiveness of solar panels compared to locations closer to the equator. However, during summer months when daylight hours are long, solar energy can still be effectively harvested.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be flatter regions that receive good sunlight exposure throughout the day without significant obstructions such as mountains or tall buildings. Additionally, proximity to existing power infrastructure would be beneficial for connecting the solar farm to the grid.
However, it's important to note that factors like local climate (cloud cover etc.), land use restrictions and environmental considerations also play crucial roles in determining suitability for large-scale solar installations. A detailed feasibility study would need to be conducted before any firm decisions could be made.
Lastly, given Norway's abundant hydroelectric resources (which provide over 90% of its electricity), there may not currently be significant demand or incentive for large-scale solar development in this region compared with other renewable energy sources that are more efficient at these latitudes.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 22nd of February 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
