Solar PV Analysis of Vestby, Norway
Vestby, Viken, Norway, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, can generate energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) panels throughout the year. However, the amount of energy produced varies significantly by season due to changes in sunlight availability.
During summer and spring, Vestby is quite suitable for solar energy production. With an average of 5.72 kilowatt-hours per day in summer and 4.19 kilowatt-hours per day in spring for each kilowatt of installed solar power, these seasons offer good conditions for generating solar power.
However, during autumn and winter, the potential for solar energy production decreases dramatically due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles. In autumn you can expect around 1.56 kilowatt-hours per day while winter only provides about 0.60 kilowatt-hours per day.
To maximize year-round production from a fixed panel installation at this location it is ideal to tilt panels at an angle of 50 degrees towards the south.
As far as local factors that could impede solar production at this location are concerned; weather conditions such as snowfall during winter may cover panels reducing their efficiency or even stopping production altogether until they are cleared off again - so it's important to ensure regular maintenance during those months especially if heavy snowfall is expected.
Another factor could be shading caused by nearby trees or buildings which would reduce exposure to sunlight - so choosing a clear site with minimum obstructions would be beneficial when installing your PV system.
In summary: While Vestby isn't ideal all-year round due its northern location and associated seasonal variations in sunlight availability; with careful planning considering local environmental factors such as snowfall and shading from nearby structures or vegetation it can still be a viable location for producing renewable energy via Solar PV particularly during Spring & Summer months when sunlight availability is highest.
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 Vestby
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.5805, Longitude: 10.8493 (Vestby, 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 Vestby, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vestby, Norway (Lat/Long 59.5805, 10.8493) 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 Vestby, 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 Vestby, 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 | 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 Vestby, 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 Vestby, 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 Vestby, Norway
Vestby, Norway is located in the southeastern part of the country, in a region known as Viken. The area is characterized by a mix of flatlands and gentle rolling hills. It's not particularly mountainous but does have some forested areas. The area around Vestby also includes farmland and residential areas.
As for solar PV potential, it's important to note that Norway as a whole doesn't receive the same amount of sunlight as more southerly locations due to its high latitude. However, solar power can still be viable even in less sunny climates.
The most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be open, flat areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings. This could include farmland or other open spaces, assuming there are no restrictions on using such land for this purpose.
Additionally, rooftops of large buildings (like warehouses or factories) could also be suitable for smaller-scale installations if they have good sun exposure throughout the day.
However, any specific project would need to take into account local regulations and community attitudes towards renewable energy projects. Also keep in mind that while Norway has significant hydroelectric resources which currently meet much of its electricity needs.
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 9th 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.
