Hedemora, Dalarna County, Sweden, situated at latitude 60.2831 and longitude 15.9997, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours and solar intensity, which greatly impact the effectiveness of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output at Hedemora varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer proves to be the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.43 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 3.89 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in energy production, with outputs of 1.43 kWh/day and a mere 0.54 kWh/day, respectively.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the long, sunny days of summer and the short, dark days of winter in this northern location. The period from late spring through early autumn represents the ideal time for solar energy generation in Hedemora, Dalarna County, with peak production occurring around the summer solstice in June.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Hedemora, Dalarna County, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 50 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather factors can significantly impact solar energy production in Hedemora:

1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or the installation of snow guards may be necessary.
2. Limited daylight hours: During winter months, Hedemora experiences very short days, severely limiting solar energy production. This is an unavoidable challenge of the location's high latitude.
3. Cloud cover: Frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, can further reduce solar energy output.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing snow-shedding panel designs, using high-efficiency solar panels, and potentially incorporating energy storage systems to balance out the seasonal variations in energy production. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of panels, especially after snowfall, can help maintain optimal performance.

While Hedemora's location poses significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful system design and installation 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 Hedemora

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.2831, Longitude: 15.9997 (Hedemora, 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 50° South in Hedemora, Sweden

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hedemora, Sweden (Lat/Long 60.2831, 15.9997) 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 Hedemora, 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 Hedemora, Sweden. 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
44° South in Summer	62° 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 Hedemora, 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 Hedemora, Sweden.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Hedemora, Sweden

The area surrounding Hedemora, Sweden, located at approximately 60.2831°N latitude and 15.9997°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of central Sweden. This region, situated in Dalarna County, features a mix of gently rolling hills, expansive forests, and numerous lakes and rivers. The topography around Hedemora is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 200 meters above sea level. The terrain is primarily composed of glacial deposits, resulting in a mix of sandy and rocky soils. The area is part of the southern boreal forest zone, with coniferous trees dominating the landscape, interspersed with deciduous species.

Landscape Features

To the west of Hedemora, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated and rugged as it approaches the Dalarna mountains. This area is characterized by dense forests and scattered lakes, creating a scenic backdrop for the town. To the east, the landscape opens up into broader valleys and agricultural lands, particularly along the Dalälven River, which flows nearby. The region is dotted with numerous small lakes and ponds, remnants of the last ice age. These water bodies, along with the meandering rivers, contribute to the area's natural beauty and ecological diversity. The combination of forests, water features, and open spaces creates a varied topography that is both visually appealing and ecologically significant.

Potential for Solar PV Installation

When considering areas near Hedemora for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those that offer maximum exposure to sunlight, minimal shading, and relatively flat terrain for ease of installation. The agricultural areas to the east and southeast of Hedemora present the most promising opportunities for solar PV development. These open spaces typically have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, and the gently sloping terrain can be advantageous for optimal panel orientation. Cleared areas within the forested regions, such as former logging sites or natural clearings, could also be potential locations for solar installations. However, care must be taken to balance energy production with forest conservation efforts. It's important to note that while Hedemora's latitude results in long summer days, the region experiences relatively short winter days with limited sunlight. This seasonal variation would need to be factored into any large-scale solar PV project planning. Additionally, areas near existing power infrastructure, such as substations or transmission lines, would be preferable to minimize the costs associated with connecting new solar installations to the grid. Local zoning regulations and environmental considerations would also play a crucial role in determining the most suitable locations for solar PV development in the Hedemora area.

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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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.