Solar PV Analysis of Verdal, Norway
Solar Energy Potential in Verdal, Trøndelag, Norway
Verdal, Trøndelag, Norway, located at 63.7924°N, 11.4741°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents unique challenges and opportunities for solar energy production. The location's high latitude significantly impacts its solar potential throughout the year.
Solar energy generation in Verdal experiences extreme seasonal variations. Summer months offer the most promising conditions, with an average daily output of 4.95 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This period provides extended daylight hours, making it ideal for solar energy production.
Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 3.84 kWh per day. During this time, increasing daylight and generally clearer skies contribute to improved solar performance.
Autumn sees a substantial decrease in solar output, with only 1.10 kWh per day. As daylight hours diminish and weather conditions become less favorable, solar energy production declines significantly.
Winter presents the greatest challenge, with a meager output of 0.37 kWh per day. The combination of extremely short days, low sun angles, and potential snow cover severely limits solar energy generation during this season.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Verdal, Trøndelag, fixed panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 53 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's high latitude and seasonal variations.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Verdal:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
- Frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter months
- Low sun angles for extended periods, particularly in winter
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
- Implement regular panel cleaning and maintenance, especially after snowfall
- Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources during low-production periods
While Verdal's location presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the more favorable summer and spring months.
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 Verdal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 63.7924, Longitude: 11.4741 (Verdal, 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 53° South in Verdal, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Verdal, Norway (Lat/Long 63.7924, 11.4741) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 53° 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 Verdal, 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 Verdal, Norway. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 53° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47° South in Summer | 65° South in Autumn | 75° South in Winter | 55° 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 Verdal, 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 Verdal, 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 Verdal, Norway
The area around Verdal, Norway, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Situated in the Trøndelag region, Verdal is nestled within a valley that opens up towards the Trondheimsfjord to the west. The town itself is located on relatively flat terrain near the mouth of the Verdalselva river.
Surrounding the town, the landscape gradually rises into rolling hills and forested areas. To the east and northeast, the terrain becomes more mountainous, with peaks reaching heights of several hundred meters. These mountains are part of the Scandinavian Mountains range, which extends along much of Norway's length. The valleys between these mountains are often carved by glaciers and rivers, creating a mix of steep slopes and gentler inclines.
To the south and southwest of Verdal, the landscape is generally flatter, with agricultural fields and pastures dominating the scenery. This area is part of the fertile Innherred region, known for its farming and livestock production. The coastline along the Trondheimsfjord features a mix of rocky shores and small beaches, with numerous inlets and bays.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are several factors to consider. However, it's important to note that Norway's high latitude means it receives less direct sunlight compared to more southern regions, which can impact the efficiency of solar energy production.
The most suitable areas for solar PV near Verdal would likely be:
- The flatter agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Verdal. These areas offer large, open spaces with minimal shading from mountains or forests, which could accommodate extensive solar panel arrays.
- Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest, which would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. These could be found in the transitional areas between the valley floor and the mountains.
- Elevated plateaus or wider mountain valleys to the east, provided they have sufficient exposure to the sun and are accessible for construction and maintenance.
It's worth noting that while these areas might be topographically suitable, other factors such as land use, environmental considerations, and proximity to power infrastructure would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects in the region.
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: Sunday 13th of October 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.
