Solar PV Analysis of Ski, Norway
Ski, Akershus, Norway, situated at latitude 59.7158 and longitude 10.8061, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the effectiveness of solar PV systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Ski fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.72 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.19 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a significant drop to 1.56 kWh/day, while winter production plummets to a mere 0.60 kWh/day.
These figures highlight that the ideal times for solar energy generation in Ski are during the long days of summer and the increasingly bright days of spring. The substantial difference between summer and winter output underscores the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this location year-round.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Ski, Akershus, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 50-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight possible throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the sun's changing position across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Ski:
- Long, dark winters: The high latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting solar generation.
- Snow and ice: Winter accumulation can cover panels, reducing efficiency.
- Cloud cover: Frequent overcast conditions, especially in autumn and winter, can diminish solar output.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule
- Consider a hybrid system combining solar with other renewable sources
While Ski's location presents significant hurdles 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 late spring through early autumn.
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 Ski
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.7158, Longitude: 10.8061 (Ski, 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 Ski, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ski, Norway (Lat/Long 59.7158, 10.8061) 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 Ski, 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 Ski, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43° South in Summer | 61° South in Autumn | 72° 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 Ski, 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 Ski, 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 Ski, Norway
The topography around Ski, Norway is characterized by a mix of gentle hills, forested areas, and some flat terrain. Ski is situated in the southeastern part of Norway, in Viken county, not far from the capital city of Oslo. The landscape in this region is part of the larger Oslo Fjord area, which features a combination of lowlands and rolling hills.
The terrain around Ski is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 200 meters above sea level. The area is dotted with small lakes, streams, and patches of agricultural land interspersed with wooded areas. The forests in this region are predominantly coniferous, consisting of pine and spruce trees, with some deciduous trees mixed in.
To the west of Ski, the land gradually slopes down towards the Oslo Fjord, while to the east, the terrain becomes slightly more rugged as it transitions into the forests of Østmarka. The overall topography is relatively mild compared to the more mountainous regions found in other parts of Norway.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Ideal locations for solar farms typically include:
- Open, flat or gently sloping areas with minimal shading from trees or hills
- South-facing slopes, which receive more direct sunlight throughout the day
- Areas with good road access for construction and maintenance
- Locations away from residential areas to minimize visual impact
Given these criteria, some potentially suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Ski might include:
- Open agricultural fields to the south and southeast of Ski, where there are larger expanses of relatively flat land
- Cleared areas on the gentler slopes of hills facing south or southwest
- Former industrial sites or brownfield areas that are no longer in use
However, it's important to note that Norway's high latitude means it receives less solar radiation compared to more southern countries, which can impact the efficiency of solar installations. Additionally, environmental considerations and local regulations would need to be carefully evaluated before any large-scale solar project could be implemented 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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 3rd of September 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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