Solar PV Analysis of Surahammar, Sweden
Surahammar, Västmanland County, Sweden, located at latitude 59.7084 and longitude 16.2077, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impact the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Surahammar fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer months yield the highest output at 5.84 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with a respectable 4.11 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a sharp decline to 1.58 kWh/day, while winter production plummets to a mere 0.57 kWh/day.
These figures highlight that the ideal time for solar energy generation in Surahammar is from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 50 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the low sun angle during winter months and the higher trajectory during summer.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Surahammar:
- Long, dark winters: The location's high latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting solar generation.
- Snow and ice accumulation: Winter precipitation can cover panels, reducing their efficiency.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences significant cloud cover, particularly during autumn and winter.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and ensure greater energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Surahammar:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
- Install snow guards and implement regular panel cleaning routines
- Consider supplementary energy sources for winter months
- Employ tracking systems to maximize sunlight capture, especially during limited daylight hours
While Surahammar's location poses challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the more favorable months of the year.
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 Surahammar
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.7084, Longitude: 16.2077 (Surahammar, 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 Surahammar, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Surahammar, Sweden (Lat/Long 59.7084, 16.2077) 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 Surahammar, 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 Surahammar, 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 Surahammar, 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 Surahammar, 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 Surahammar, Sweden
The area around Surahammar, Sweden, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of southern central Sweden. This region, known as Västmanland County, features a mix of forested areas, agricultural lands, and numerous lakes and rivers. The terrain is generally low-lying, with modest hills and shallow valleys created by glacial activity during the last ice age.
Surahammar itself sits at an elevation of about 60 meters (197 feet) above sea level. The surrounding area doesn't have any dramatic changes in elevation, with most of the landscape varying between 50 and 100 meters above sea level. This relatively flat topography is punctuated by small, rounded hills and interspersed with patches of dense coniferous and deciduous forests.
The region is part of the southern boreal forest zone, which means that much of the undeveloped land is covered in pine, spruce, and birch trees. However, there are also significant areas of cleared land used for agriculture, particularly for growing crops like wheat, barley, and oats.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider. Ideally, solar farms require large, open spaces with minimal shading and good exposure to sunlight. Given these criteria, the following areas near Surahammar might be suitable:
- Agricultural fields: The cleared farmlands in the region could potentially be repurposed or shared for solar energy production. These areas are already flat and free of trees, which makes them ideal for solar panel installation.
- Former industrial sites: Surahammar has a history of iron working and manufacturing. Any large, unused industrial areas could be excellent locations for solar farms, as they are typically flat and already connected to the power grid.
- Cleared forest areas: While it's important to balance environmental concerns, some areas where forests have been harvested could be suitable for solar installations before replanting occurs.
It's worth noting that Sweden's high latitude means that solar energy production can be challenging, particularly during the short winter days. However, the long summer days can partially compensate for this, making solar energy a viable option with proper planning and technology.
Any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider local regulations, environmental impact, and grid connection possibilities. Additionally, given Sweden's commitment to renewable energy, there might be support for such projects from both local and national authorities.
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: Monday 9th of September 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.
