Solar PV Analysis of Katrineholm, Sweden
The location at Katrineholm, Södermanland County, Sweden is not ideal for year-round energy generation via solar PV due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. However, it can still be a viable source of power during certain parts of the year.
During summer, you can expect an average output of 6.02kWh/day per kW installed solar panel. This means that this period is the most efficient time for generating solar power in this area. In spring, the output reduces to 4.33kWh/day but still remains significant.
However, during autumn and winter seasons, energy production significantly drops with only 1.65kWh/day and 0.64kWh/day respectively being produced per kW of installed solar panels.
To maximize total yearly production from your solar PV system at this location, it's recommended to tilt your panels at an angle of 49 degrees facing southward.This will allow them to absorb as much sunlight as possible throughout all seasons.
As for potential obstacles in this region that may impede energy generation through solar power include:
1) The long winters and short daylight hours: These factors result in less sunlight reaching your panels thereby reducing their efficiency.
2) Snow cover: During winter months snow might accumulate on the surface of your panels blocking sunlight.
3) Cloudy weather: Sweden generally has a high amount of cloud cover which could reduce direct sunlight hitting your panels.
To counter these issues:
1) Ensure regular maintenance especially during winter months by removing snow off your panel surfaces.
2) Consider installing trackers on your panels so they follow the sun's path across the sky maximizing exposure to direct sunlight.
3) Installing more efficient or additional units could compensate for lower light conditions or shorter daylight hours during autumn and winter months.
In summary while Katrineholm isn't an ideal location for year-round consistent high-levels of solar energy generation due to seasonal variations; with strategic planning and maintenance it can still serve as a viable source of power especially during 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 Katrineholm
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 58.9927, Longitude: 16.208 (Katrineholm, 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 Katrineholm, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Katrineholm, Sweden (Lat/Long 58.9927, 16.208) 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 Katrineholm, 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 Katrineholm, 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 | 61° South in Autumn | 71° 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 Katrineholm, 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 Katrineholm, 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 Katrineholm, Sweden
Katrineholm, Sweden is located in the Södermanland County and it features a relatively flat terrain with gentle rolling hills. The area is heavily forested with several lakes and rivers scattered throughout.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open and flat areas are usually preferred as they allow for easier installation and maintenance, greater sun exposure, and better panel efficiency. Therefore, any cleared or agricultural land around Katrineholm could be potentially suitable for such an installation.
However, considering the latitude of Katrineholm (58.9927), it receives less sunlight compared to countries closer to the equator. This means that while solar power is possible here, it might not be as efficient as in other locations.
But despite this limitation, there are still ways to make solar energy viable in these conditions - using technologies like bifacial panels which can capture sunlight from both sides or tracking systems that follow the sun's path across the sky can help maximize energy production.
In terms of specific nearby areas suited for large-scale solar PV installations:
1) Areas near major roads such as E20 highway could be considered due its accessibility.
2) Open fields or farmlands around nearby towns like Julita or Valla could also potentially serve as good sites.
3) Large industrial zones or commercial estates may also have enough open space for a sizable solar farm.
Before deciding on a location though, factors like local climate conditions (amount of annual sunshine hours), land ownership status (public vs private), proximity to electrical grid infrastructure would need to be carefully evaluated too.
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 28th of April 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.
