Solar PV Analysis of Nacka, Sweden
Nacka, Stockholm County, Sweden, situated at latitude 59.3032 and longitude 18.1566, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Nacka varies dramatically across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.18 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.26 kWh/day/kW. However, the output drops significantly during autumn, yielding only 1.54 kWh/day/kW, and plummets to a mere 0.51 kWh/day/kW in winter.
These figures clearly indicate that solar energy generation in Nacka is highly seasonal, with peak production occurring during the long days of summer and spring. The substantial decrease in autumn and winter output is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and the sun's lower position in the sky during these seasons.
Optimal Panel Tilt
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Nacka, Stockholm County, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 49 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the overall annual energy yield, taking into account the varying solar elevation angles throughout the year and the location's specific solar irradiance data.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can significantly impact solar energy production in Nacka:
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue.
- Limited winter sunlight: The extremely short days during winter months severely restrict solar energy production. While this cannot be entirely overcome, using high-efficiency panels can help maximize the limited available sunlight.
- Cloud cover: Nacka experiences frequent cloud cover, particularly in autumn and winter, which can reduce solar panel efficiency. Utilizing panels with good low-light performance can help maintain some energy production during overcast conditions.
To address these challenges, it's crucial to invest in high-quality, weather-resistant solar equipment and implement regular maintenance practices. Additionally, considering a hybrid system that combines solar with other renewable energy sources could help ensure a more consistent year-round energy supply in this location.
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 Nacka
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.3032, Longitude: 18.1566 (Nacka, 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 Nacka, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nacka, Sweden (Lat/Long 59.3032, 18.1566) 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 Nacka, 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 Nacka, 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 Nacka, 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 Nacka, 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 Nacka, Sweden
Nacka, located in east-central Sweden near Stockholm, has a varied topography typical of the region. The landscape is characterized by a mix of rocky outcrops, forested areas, and numerous bodies of water. The terrain is generally undulating, with gentle hills and valleys formed by ancient glacial activity.
The area around Nacka features many small islands and peninsulas, as it is situated on the Baltic Sea coast. The shoreline is often irregular and indented, creating numerous bays and inlets. Inland, you'll find a patchwork of woodlands, open fields, and scattered lakes. The bedrock in this region is primarily composed of granite and gneiss, which contributes to the rocky nature of the landscape.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited for such projects would likely be found slightly inland from Nacka, where there are more open spaces and fewer obstructions. The ideal locations would be relatively flat areas with good sun exposure, away from dense forests or tall buildings that could cast shadows.
Some potential areas for solar PV development might include:
- Former agricultural lands or meadows that are no longer in use
- Cleared areas on the outskirts of urban developments
- Repurposed industrial sites or brownfields
- Large, flat rooftops of commercial or industrial buildings
It's important to note that while Sweden has been increasing its solar energy capacity, the country's high latitude means it receives less solar radiation compared to more southern regions. This factor, combined with long winter nights, can impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. However, advancements in solar technology are making it increasingly viable even in northern climates.
Any large-scale solar PV project in the Nacka area would need to carefully consider local zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and the need to preserve the natural beauty of the Swedish landscape, which is highly valued by residents and tourists alike.
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: Wednesday 28th of August 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.
