Solar Energy Potential in Ljusne, Gävleborg County, Sweden

Ljusne, Gävleborg County, Sweden, located at 61.2106° North, 17.1422° East in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents significant seasonal variations for solar PV energy generation. This coastal town experiences dramatic differences in solar production throughout the year, making it a location with both challenges and opportunities for solar energy. The seasonal solar energy production in Ljusne shows a stark contrast between summer and winter months. During summer, solar panels can generate an impressive 5.53 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 3.97 kWh/day per kW installed. However, production drops considerably during autumn to 1.36 kWh/day and reaches its minimum in winter with only 0.43 kWh/day per kW installed.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Ljusne, Gävleborg County, the ideal angle to maximize year-round energy production is 51 degrees facing South. This specific tilt helps optimize solar capture across the dramatic seasonal variations experienced at this northern latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors can impact solar production at this location:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can significantly reduce already low winter production if not managed properly
• Coastal fog and cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter
• Potential salt spray from the nearby Baltic Sea which may gradually degrade panel efficiency

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented. Installing panels at the recommended 51-degree tilt not only optimizes production but also helps snow to slide off more easily. Regular cleaning to remove salt deposits is advisable for installations near the coast. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions can help maximize energy capture during the less productive seasons.

Best Times for Solar Generation

The most productive period for solar energy in Ljusne spans from April through August, with peak production occurring in June and July. These months should be leveraged to offset the significantly lower production during the November to February period when daylight is minimal and solar angles are unfavorable. Despite the seasonal challenges, the strong summer performance means that annual solar production can still be economically viable when properly designed systems are implemented with the correct orientation and tilt angle of 51 degrees South.

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 Ljusne

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 61.2106, Longitude: 17.1422 (Ljusne, 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 51° South in Ljusne, Sweden

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ljusne, Sweden (Lat/Long 61.2106, 17.1422) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 51° 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 Ljusne, 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 Ljusne, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 51° 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	63° South in Autumn	73° South in Winter	53° 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 Ljusne, 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 Ljusne, 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 Ljusne, Sweden

The area surrounding Ljusne, Sweden is characterized by a diverse coastal landscape where the Ljusnan River meets the Gulf of Bothnia. This eastern Swedish coastal region features a relatively flat topography with gentle undulations, particularly near the shoreline. The elevation gradually increases as one moves inland from the coast, with modest hills and small ridges becoming more prominent. The immediate vicinity of Ljusne consists of a mix of forested areas, particularly coniferous forests typical of the region, interspersed with clearings and some agricultural land. The Ljusnan River, which flows through Ljusne before emptying into the Gulf of Bothnia, has created a small delta area with alluvial deposits and some wetlands near its mouth.

Terrain Characteristics

The coastal areas around Ljusne feature sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, with numerous small islands and skerries dotting the nearby waters of the Gulf of Bothnia. These coastal formations are part of the larger geomorphological features resulting from glacial retreat and isostatic rebound that shaped much of Sweden's eastern coastline. Moving inland, the landscape transitions to a mix of managed forestland and occasional meadows. The soil composition varies from sandy deposits near the coast to more loamy soils further inland, with some areas containing glacial till - a legacy of the region's ice age history.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several nearby areas present favorable conditions. The cleared lands slightly inland from Ljusne offer promising potential, particularly where former industrial or agricultural sites provide already-disturbed terrain with minimal ecological impact from development. South-facing gentle slopes located 5-10 kilometers inland would be especially suitable, as they would receive optimal solar exposure while being sufficiently elevated to avoid coastal fog that occasionally affects immediate shoreline areas. These locations also benefit from reduced salt spray compared to installations directly on the coast, which could otherwise accelerate corrosion of solar equipment. Former timber processing areas or brownfield sites near the town could be repurposed for solar development, offering the dual benefits of land reclamation and renewable energy production. These locations typically have existing infrastructure connections, potentially reducing development costs. The relatively flat terrain throughout much of the region simplifies construction and installation processes for large solar arrays, minimizing the need for extensive grading or terracing that might be required in more mountainous regions. This characteristic makes much of the surrounding area technically feasible for development, with specific site selection ultimately depending on factors such as land availability, grid connection possibilities, and local planning regulations.

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.