Solar PV Analysis of Vollen, Norway
Vollen, Akershus, Norway, situated at latitude 59.7886 and longitude 10.4855, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impact the efficiency of solar PV systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Vollen varies dramatically across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.72 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.19 kWh/day. However, the output drops significantly during autumn, producing only 1.56 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 0.60 kWh/day in winter.
These figures highlight that the ideal times for solar energy generation in Vollen are primarily during the summer months, with spring offering decent potential as well. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during these seasons contribute to the increased energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Vollen, Akershus, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 50 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can significantly impact solar energy production in Vollen:
- Long, dark winters: The location's high latitude results in extremely short days during winter, severely limiting solar energy generation.
- Cloud cover: Frequent overcast conditions, especially during autumn and winter, can reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, obstructing sunlight and decreasing energy output.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Install snow-shedding systems or regularly clear snow from panels during winter.
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions to maximize output during cloudy periods.
- Implement a dual-axis tracking system to follow the sun's path, potentially increasing energy yield, especially during the limited daylight hours of winter.
- Consider complementing the solar PV system with other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, to ensure a more consistent year-round energy supply.
While Vollen's location poses challenges for solar energy production, particularly during the darker months, implementing these strategies can help maximize the system's efficiency and overall energy output throughout the year.
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 Vollen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.7886, Longitude: 10.4855 (Vollen, 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 Vollen, Norway
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vollen, Norway (Lat/Long 59.7886, 10.4855) 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 Vollen, 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 Vollen, 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 Vollen, 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 Vollen, 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 Vollen, Norway
The area around Vollen, Norway, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the Norwegian coastline. Vollen is situated on the eastern shore of the Oslofjord, which is a long, narrow inlet that stretches inland from the Skagerrak strait. The landscape in this region is a blend of coastal features and forested hills.
The immediate vicinity of Vollen consists of gently rolling terrain with some steeper slopes as you move inland. The shoreline is irregular, with small bays and inlets creating a jagged coastline. As you move away from the water, the land gradually rises, forming low hills and ridges covered in mixed forests of pine and deciduous trees.
Further inland, the terrain becomes more varied, with some areas featuring steeper hillsides and small valleys. These hills are part of the larger Norwegian landscape that was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mixture of exposed bedrock, glacial deposits, and areas of fertile soil.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Norway's high latitude means it receives less sunlight than more southern countries, especially during winter months. However, there are still potential locations that could be suitable:
1. Open farmland: Areas of flat or gently sloping agricultural land away from the immediate coast could be potential sites for solar farms. These areas would have fewer obstructions blocking sunlight.
2. Cleared hilltops: Some of the higher ground inland from Vollen, where trees have been cleared, could offer good exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
3. Industrial zones: Existing industrial areas or brownfield sites in the wider region around Vollen might be repurposed for solar installations, taking advantage of already developed land.
4. Large rooftops: While not strictly topographical, the roofs of large buildings in more urban areas near Vollen could be utilized for solar panel installation.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impact, local regulations, and the unique challenges posed by Norway's climate and daylight patterns. Additionally, the aesthetic impact on the scenic landscape would likely be a significant factor in planning such installations in this 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 10th 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.
