Solar Energy Potential in Smedjebacken, Dalarna County, Sweden

Smedjebacken, Dalarna County, Sweden, located at 60.1389° N, 15.4198° E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents significant seasonal variations for solar PV energy generation. This location experiences dramatic differences in solar production throughout the year, with strong summer performance but very limited winter output. The seasonal electricity generation from a 1kW solar PV system in Smedjebacken shows a clear pattern. During summer, the system produces an impressive 5.35kWh per day, making it the prime season for solar energy collection. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 3.81kWh daily output. Autumn yields considerably less at 1.38kWh per day, while winter production drops dramatically to just 0.51kWh daily.

Optimal Installation Parameters

For fixed panel installations in Smedjebacken, Dalarna County, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 50 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize annual solar collection based on Smedjebacken's northern latitude, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and weighted by daily PV potential.

Seasonal Considerations

The substantial difference between summer and winter production (over 10 times more energy in summer) indicates that solar PV systems in Smedjebacken will generate the vast majority of their annual output during the spring and summer months. From late April through August, solar systems will operate at peak efficiency, while from November through February, production will be minimal.

Environmental Challenges and Mitigation

Several environmental factors can impede solar production in Smedjebacken:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can completely cover panels, reducing already minimal winter production to zero. Installing panels at the steep 50-degree angle helps snow slide off more easily, but regular clearing may still be necessary.
• Extended periods of overcast weather, common in northern Sweden during fall and winter, further reduce the limited solar radiation available.
• Frost and ice formation can damage equipment and reduce efficiency. Using quality frames and mounting systems designed for Nordic conditions is essential.

To maximize production despite these challenges, consider using bifacial panels that can capture reflected light from snow, installing snow guards at panel edges, and implementing automated monitoring systems to detect production drops that might indicate snow coverage requiring removal. Additionally, regular maintenance checks before winter and after spring thaw can prevent damage from seasonal weather extremes. While Smedjebacken may not be ideal for year-round solar production compared to more southern locations, properly installed systems can still provide significant energy during the productive months, potentially meeting household needs during spring and summer while requiring supplemental energy sources during the darker seasons.

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 Smedjebacken

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.1389, Longitude: 15.4198 (Smedjebacken, 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 50° South in Smedjebacken, Sweden

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Smedjebacken, Sweden (Lat/Long 60.1389, 15.4198) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 50° 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 Smedjebacken, 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 Smedjebacken, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 50° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
43° South in Summer	61° South in Autumn	72° South in Winter	52° 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 Smedjebacken, 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 Smedjebacken, 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 Smedjebacken, Sweden

The landscape surrounding Smedjebacken, Sweden presents a diverse topographical profile characteristic of the Bergslagen region in central Sweden. Nestled in Dalarna County, Smedjebacken sits within a gently undulating terrain that combines forested hills, numerous lakes, and open valleys. The elevation generally ranges between 150-300 meters above sea level, with modest hills rather than dramatic mountains defining the skyline.

Landscape Features

Smedjebacken's surroundings feature a mixture of coniferous forests dominated by pine and spruce trees, interspersed with deciduous woodlands. The terrain is punctuated by numerous water bodies, with Lake Barken being a significant feature near the town. This lake system connects to other waterways, creating a network that historically facilitated transportation and industry in the region. The area exhibits the effects of ancient glaciation, with rounded hills, eskers (long ridges of stratified sand and gravel), and scattered erratic boulders. The soil composition varies but generally consists of thin layers over bedrock in elevated areas, with deeper deposits in valleys and depressions.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several nearby areas offer favorable conditions. The most suitable locations would be: South-facing slopes of the gentle hills surrounding Smedjebacken provide natural advantages for solar collection. These inclined surfaces receive more direct sunlight throughout the day compared to flat terrain, potentially increasing energy yield. Former industrial or mining sites, which are common in this historically mining-rich region, present opportunities for repurposing. These brownfield areas often have existing infrastructure connections and minimal agricultural or ecological value. The relatively open agricultural areas south of Smedjebacken offer expansive, unshaded land with minimal obstruction from forests or tall structures. These locations typically have better access to the electrical grid due to existing rural infrastructure.

Topographical Considerations

When evaluating sites for solar installations, several topographical factors merit consideration. The numerous lakes in the region create microclimates with potentially higher humidity and occasional fog, which might affect specific locations. The modest elevation changes mean that hill-shadowing effects are generally minimal except in winter when the sun angle is extremely low. The forested nature of much of the surrounding landscape means that clearing may be necessary for large-scale installations, raising environmental and permitting considerations. However, the mixture of open spaces, particularly in the southern approaches to Smedjebacken, provides alternatives that would require minimal forest impact. Snow cover during winter months presents a seasonal challenge, though the gently sloping terrain in many areas facilitates natural snow sliding from panels. Sites with good drainage characteristics would be advantageous to prevent water accumulation during spring thaws. The underlying bedrock provides stable foundation conditions for mounting structures, though the presence of shallow bedrock in some areas might increase installation complexity and costs.

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.