Solar PV Analysis of Sundsvall, Sweden
The location at Sundsvall, Västernorrland County, Sweden is not ideal for year-round energy generation via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This is due to the significant seasonal variations in sunlight and hence, electricity production.
During summer, each kilowatt of installed solar can generate about 5.55kWh per day which is quite good. However, this output drops drastically during autumn and winter to 1.29kWh/day and 0.43kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles that are typical of these seasons in the Northern Temperate Zone where Sundsvall is located.
Spring sees an improvement with a daily output of around 4.02 kWh/kW as daylight hours increase again but it's still not as high as summer.
Therefore, if you were looking at installing solar panels in Sundsvall, Västernorrland County, the most productive times would be during spring and especially summer when the days are longer with more direct sunlight.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 52 degrees towards the South will maximize total year-round production from your solar PV system because it aligns best with the path that Sun takes across the sky throughout different seasons in this part of world.
However, there could be some local factors impeding solar production such as snowfall during winter which could cover up your panels reducing their efficiency or even causing damage if heavy enough; trees or buildings casting shadows on your panels; dust or bird droppings accumulating over time reducing light absorption etc.
To overcome these issues:
- Regular cleaning especially after snowfall or dusty weather conditions can keep your panels working efficiently.
- If possible locate your installation away from tall structures/trees so they don't cast shadow on it.
- Use durable materials designed for harsh weathers so they can withstand heavy snow without getting damaged.
Remember though that while these measures improve performance they won't change fact that autumn and winter will still have much lower production than spring and summer due to natural sunlight variations.
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 Sundsvall
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 62.3772, Longitude: 17.3203 (Sundsvall, 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 52° South in Sundsvall, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sundsvall, Sweden (Lat/Long 62.3772, 17.3203) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 52° 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 Sundsvall, 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 Sundsvall, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 52° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46° South in Summer | 64° South in Autumn | 74° South in Winter | 54° 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 Sundsvall, 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 Sundsvall, 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 Sundsvall, Sweden
Sundsvall, Sweden is located in a coastal area along the Gulf of Bothnia. The topography includes both flat coastal plains and hilly areas, with some mountains to the west. It's surrounded by forests and rivers, with several small lakes scattered around.
The region experiences a humid continental climate with relatively mild winters for its latitude due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. However, it has limited sunlight during winter months (as few as 5 hours per day), which may limit solar power generation during this period.
In terms of large-scale solar PV installations:
1. Flat Coastal Plains: These areas are ideal for large-scale solar farms because they require minimal land grading or preparation before installation can begin.
2. Rooftops: In urban areas like Sundsvall city itself, rooftops on commercial buildings could be suitable locations for smaller scale photovoltaic systems.
3. Brownfield Sites: If there are any unused industrial sites nearby, these could also be suitable locations for large-scale solar installations.
4. Near Infrastructure: Areas near existing infrastructure such as roads and power lines would also be ideal since this would reduce costs associated with transporting electricity to consumers.
However, considering that Sundsvall is not particularly sunny compared to other regions in the world more commonly associated with solar energy production (like Spain or California), it will be important to conduct a thorough feasibility study before proceeding with any large-scale project.
It's worth noting that while Sweden isn't known for its intense sunlight levels overall - especially in northern parts like Sundsvall - advancements in technology have made it possible to generate viable amounts of electricity even under less than optimal conditions.
Remember too that local regulations and environmental considerations should always be taken into account when planning such 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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 4th of May 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.
