Solar PV Analysis of Gislaved, Sweden
The location of Gislaved, Jönköping, Sweden, situated at latitude 57.3013 and longitude 13.5284, presents both opportunities and challenges for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This northern temperate zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which greatly impact the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
Solar energy production in Gislaved varies dramatically across the four seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.70 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 4.24 kWh per day. However, autumn and winter see a significant drop in energy production, with daily outputs of 1.66 kWh and 0.71 kWh, respectively.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the productive summer months and the challenging winter period. The long days and higher sun angles during summer make it an ideal time for solar energy generation in Gislaved. Conversely, the short days and low sun angles of winter result in minimal solar output, presenting a significant hurdle for year-round reliance on solar power.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Gislaved, Jönköping, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 48 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can impact solar energy production in Gislaved:
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or the installation of snow guards may be necessary.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings to reduce snow adherence and implementing a regular maintenance schedule for panel cleaning. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and potentially oversizing the solar array can help compensate for the reduced production during cloudy periods and winter months.
In conclusion, while Gislaved's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its northern latitude and seasonal variations, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable supplementary energy source, particularly during the more productive spring and summer 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 174 locations across Sweden. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Sweden by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Gislaved
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.3013, Longitude: 13.5284 (Gislaved, Sweden), 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 48° South in Gislaved, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gislaved, Sweden (Lat/Long 57.3013, 13.5284) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Gislaved, Sweden
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 Gislaved, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41° South in Summer | 59° South in Autumn | 70° South in Winter | 49° 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 Gislaved, Sweden
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 Gislaved, Sweden.
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 Gislaved, Sweden
The area around Gislaved, Sweden, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape typical of southern Sweden. This region, known as Småland, features a mix of forested areas, open fields, and numerous lakes and streams.
The topography near Gislaved is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 150 to 200 meters above sea level. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling, with occasional small hills and ridges. The area is part of the southern Swedish highlands, but it's not particularly mountainous.
Forests, primarily consisting of pine and spruce trees, cover a significant portion of the land around Gislaved. These wooded areas are interspersed with clearings, agricultural fields, and meadows. The region also features many small lakes, ponds, and wetlands, which are remnants of glacial activity from the last ice age.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be the open, relatively flat agricultural lands and cleared areas. These spaces offer the advantage of minimal shading from trees or buildings, which is crucial for optimal solar energy production. South-facing slopes, if available, would be particularly beneficial as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
However, it's important to note that Sweden's high latitude means it receives less intense sunlight compared to more southern regions, especially during the winter months. This factor should be considered when planning large-scale solar projects in the area. The most promising locations would be those that maximize exposure to the available sunlight, avoid low-lying areas prone to fog or mist, and have good access to existing power infrastructure.
Additionally, any potential solar PV sites would need to be carefully evaluated for their environmental impact, as the region around Gislaved includes valuable natural habitats and scenic landscapes that are important to preserve. Balancing renewable energy development with environmental conservation would be a key consideration in selecting suitable areas for large-scale solar installations in this part of Sweden.
Sweden solar PV Stats as a country
Sweden ranks 36th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,577 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.70% of Sweden's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 39th in the world). Each year Sweden is generating 152 Watts from solar PV per capita (Sweden ranks 34th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Sweden?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Sweden. The Swedish Energy Agency offers a number of grants and subsidies for businesses that want to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. Additionally, the government has implemented a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar. This helps to make investing in solar more attractive and financially viable for businesses.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Sweden? 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: Sunday 6th 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.
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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.
