Solar PV Analysis of Stavern, Norway
Stavern, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway, exhibits a diverse range of solar energy output across the year due to its unique geographical location and seasonal variations. During the summer months, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity can produce an average of 5.96 kWh per day, which significantly drops to 1.64 kWh in autumn and further down to 0.63 kWh during winter owing to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight. However, there is a considerable rebound in spring with an average daily output of 4.42 kWh per kW.
Given these seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production, Stavern's suitability for year-round solar power generation may not be as ideal as locations closer to the equator; nevertheless it does show promise especially during sunnier periods.
The optimal tilt angle for fixed panel installations at this location is towards the South at a degree of approximately 49 degrees from horizontal plane; this orientation maximizes exposure towards incoming sunlight throughout the year.
However, certain local factors could potentially impede solar production in Stavern - weather conditions being one of them. The city experiences cloud cover or snowfall that can limit available sunlight required for electricity generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems.
To mitigate such issues and ensure greater energy production from installed PV systems despite these challenges, several preventative measures could be taken into consideration:
1) Regular cleaning and maintenance: This will help clear any snow or debris on panels that could obstruct light absorption.
2) Installation design: Consideration should be given to installing panels at angles where they are less likely to accumulate snow.
3) Use of anti-reflective coatings: These can enhance light absorption even under cloudy conditions.
4) Incorporation of battery storage solutions: This allows excess energy produced during sunnier periods (like summer & spring), when generation exceeds consumption requirements, to be stored for use during darker periods thereby ensuring consistent power supply throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.
Despite some challenges, with the right strategies in place, solar power can still be a viable and sustainable energy source for Stavern.
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 Stavern
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 58.9971, Longitude: 10.042 (Stavern, 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 Stavern, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Stavern, Norway (Lat/Long 58.9971, 10.042) 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 Stavern, 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 Stavern, 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 | 72° 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 Stavern, 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 Stavern, 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 Stavern, Norway
Stavern, Norway is located on the coast of the Skagerrak sea in southeastern Norway. The area around Stavern is mostly flat and low-lying with some rolling hills to the north and east. There are also several islands nearby which could be suitable for large scale solar PV installations. The most suitable areas for large scale solar PV would be those that are exposed to direct sunlight with minimal shading from trees or other obstructions, as well as those with good access to roads and infrastructure.
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 8th of December 2023
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.
