Solar PV Analysis of Hjo, Sweden
The location in Hjo, Västra Götaland County, Sweden, situated at latitude 58.2994 and longitude 14.2945, presents both opportunities and challenges for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This northern temperate zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impact its overall suitability for solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.82 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.36 kWh per day. However, the output drops dramatically during autumn and winter, with 1.67 kWh and 0.67 kWh per day, respectively.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the long, sunny days of summer and the short, dark days of winter at this latitude. The substantial difference in seasonal output means that solar energy production in Hjo is highly skewed towards the warmer months.
Optimal Panel Tilt
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 49 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can potentially impede solar production in Hjo: 1. Snow accumulation in winter 2. Cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter 3. Short daylight hours in winter
To mitigate these challenges, preventative measures can be taken during solar installation. These include using snow-shedding panel designs, implementing a regular cleaning schedule, and considering the use of bifacial panels to capture reflected light. Additionally, incorporating energy storage solutions can help balance the seasonal variations in energy production.
Conclusion
While Hjo's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its significant seasonal variations, it can still be a viable option with proper planning and implementation. The summer months offer excellent potential for solar energy generation, which can partially offset the reduced output during the darker winter months. By optimizing panel tilt, addressing environmental challenges, and potentially combining solar with other renewable energy sources, Hjo can make effective use of solar PV technology despite its northern latitude.
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 Hjo
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 58.2994, Longitude: 14.2945 (Hjo, 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 49° South in Hjo, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hjo, Sweden (Lat/Long 58.2994, 14.2945) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 49° 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 Hjo, 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 Hjo, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 49° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42° South in Summer | 60° South in Autumn | 71° South in Winter | 50° 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 Hjo, 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 Hjo, 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 Hjo, Sweden
The area around Hjo, Sweden, located at latitude 58.2994 and longitude 14.2945, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape. Situated on the western shore of Lake Vättern, Sweden's second-largest lake, Hjo is part of a region known for its mix of agricultural lands, forests, and rolling hills.
The immediate vicinity of Hjo features relatively flat terrain near the lakeshore, gradually giving way to more varied topography as you move inland. To the west of the town, the land rises slightly, forming low hills and plateaus. These areas are often interspersed with patches of woodland and open fields used for agriculture.
Further to the west and southwest, the landscape becomes more pronounced, with higher hills and deeper valleys characteristic of the southern Swedish highlands. This area, known as the South Swedish Uplands or "Småländska höglandet," creates a more dramatic backdrop to the otherwise gentle terrain around Hjo.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or other obstacles. Based on the topography of the region, the following areas might be suitable:
- The agricultural lands to the west and southwest of Hjo, where open fields provide ample space and good sun exposure.
- Elevated plateaus in the surrounding countryside, which may offer unobstructed views of the sky and reduced risk of shading.
- Cleared areas within the forested regions, provided they are large enough and have sufficient sun exposure throughout the day.
It's important to note that while the topography around Hjo offers potential for solar PV installations, the high latitude of the region means that solar irradiance is lower compared to more southern locations. This factor, combined with the long winter nights and potential for snow cover, would need to be carefully considered when planning any large-scale solar projects in the area.
Additionally, any solar PV development would need to balance energy production goals with preserving the natural beauty and ecological value of the landscape, which is an important part of the region's character and tourism appeal.
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: Thursday 5th of September 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.
