Solar PV Analysis of Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna, Sweden, situated at a latitude of 67.8557995 and longitude of 20.2252821, offers favorable conditions for solar PV power generation during the summer and spring seasons. In summer, an average of 5.45 kWh per day can be generated per kW of installed solar capacity, while in spring this figure is around 3.87 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter are less suitable for solar power production with only 0.91 kWh/day and 0.20 kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar.
Located within the Arctic Circle, Kiruna experiences some environmental challenges that may impact solar energy generation efficiency. Long periods of darkness during winter months reduce sunlight availability significantly; strong winds due to its northern location could potentially damage panels or decrease their efficiency.
Moreover, snowfall accumulation on panels can hinder their performance by blocking sunlight absorption; extreme cold temperatures may also lead to reduced battery performance and overall system output decline.
To ensure greater energy production despite these factors, it is crucial to take preventative measures when installing solar panels in Kiruna. For instance, tilting the panels at an optimal angle of 56 degrees South will maximize sunlight exposure throughout the year for fixed panel installations (excluding tracking systems). Additionally, regular maintenance such as clearing snow from panels and protecting them from wind damage will help maintain their efficiency.
In conclusion, while Kiruna presents some challenges for year-round solar power generation due to its Arctic location and associated weather conditions, proper installation techniques and maintenance practices can help optimize energy production during the more favorable summer and spring seasons.
Note: The Artic Circle includes any location with a latitude North of 66.5°.
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 Kiruna
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 67.8557995, Longitude: 20.2252821 (Kiruna, 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 56° South in Kiruna, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kiruna, Sweden (Lat/Long 67.8557995, 20.2252821) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 56° 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 Kiruna, 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 Kiruna, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 56° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51° South in Summer | 68° South in Autumn | 77° South in Winter | 59° 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 Kiruna, 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 Kiruna, 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 Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna, Sweden is located in the northernmost part of the country within the Arctic Circle. The topography of Kiruna is characterized by a hilly landscape with forests, lakes, and rivers. It is situated in a region known as Lapland which features tundra and subarctic climates. The city itself sits on a large iron ore deposit and is surrounded by mountains.
However, due to its location within the Arctic Circle, Kiruna experiences Polar Night – a period during winter when the sun does not rise above the horizon – which lasts for about 28 days from early December to mid-January. Conversely, it also experiences Midnight Sun – a period during summer when daylight extends into local midnight – from late May to mid-July.
Given these conditions, large-scale solar PV installations would face significant challenges in Kiruna. The long periods without sunlight during winter would severely limit power production from solar panels. Additionally, even though there are extended periods of sunlight in summer months (Midnight Sun), this might not be sufficient to offset the lack of production in winter months.
If considering areas nearby for large-scale solar PV installations that could potentially supply power to Kiruna or other northern communities, one might look further south where daylight hours are more consistent year-round. However, it's important to consider that even southern parts of Sweden receive less sunlight compared with countries closer to equator which makes them less ideal for solar energy production.
Regardless of these challenges related with natural conditions (latitude and climate), technical solutions such as battery storage systems or hybrid systems combining different renewable sources could be considered if aiming at increasing renewable energy share even at high latitudes like Kiruna's one.
Remember also that site-specific factors such as ground conditions (rocky soil can make installation challenging) or environmental considerations (potential impacts on wildlife or sensitive ecosystems) should also be taken into account when choosing locations for large-scale solar projects.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 14th of March 2023
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.
