Solar Energy Potential in Surte, Västra Götaland County, Sweden

Surte, Västra Götaland County, Sweden, located at latitude 57.8166 and longitude 12.013, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy output.

The summer months offer the most promising conditions for solar energy production, with an average of 5.70 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 4.24 kWh/day/kW. However, the energy output drops dramatically during autumn and winter, with 1.66 kWh/day/kW and 0.71 kWh/day/kW respectively.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the productive summer months and the challenging winter period. The long days and higher sun angle during summer make it an ideal time for solar energy generation in Surte. Conversely, the short days and low sun angle in winter significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Surte, Västra Götaland County, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 48 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather factors can impede solar production in Surte:

1. Snow accumulation during winter months can cover panels, reducing efficiency.
2. Frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, can significantly decrease solar irradiance.

To mitigate these issues, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off.
• Use snow-shedding coatings on panels to prevent accumulation.
• Implement a regular panel cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall.
• Consider using bifacial solar panels to capture reflected light from snow, potentially increasing winter production.

While Surte's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize energy output, particularly during the more favorable spring and summer months.

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 Surte

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.8166, Longitude: 12.013 (Surte, 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 48° South in Surte, Sweden

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Surte, Sweden (Lat/Long 57.8166, 12.013) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Surte, 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 Surte, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
41° South in Summer	60° South in Autumn	70° South in Winter	50° 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 Surte, 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 Surte, 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 Surte, Sweden

The landscape around Surte, Sweden, is characterized by a mix of gentle hills, forests, and riverside terrain. Situated along the Göta älv river, Surte is nestled in a region where the terrain gradually rises from the riverbanks towards the east. The area features a combination of open fields and wooded areas, with elevations generally ranging from near sea level by the river to about 100 meters above sea level in the surrounding hills. To the west of Surte, the Göta älv river dominates the landscape, creating a flat, low-lying area along its banks. As one moves eastward from the river, the terrain becomes more varied, with rolling hills and small valleys interspersed with patches of forest. These forested areas primarily consist of coniferous trees, typical of the region's boreal climate.

Potential for Solar PV Installations

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or other obstacles. The open fields to the east and northeast of Surte present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas often have clearer skies and less obstruction from forests, allowing for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. The gentle slopes in these locations can also be advantageous, as they can be oriented towards the south to optimize solar panel placement. Another potential area for solar PV installations could be found in cleared sections of forested land, where large enough spaces have been opened up. However, care must be taken to balance energy production needs with environmental conservation efforts. It's important to note that while Surte's latitude means it experiences long summer days, the region also has relatively short winter days with less intense sunlight. This seasonal variation should be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects in the area. Additionally, local zoning regulations and grid connection capabilities would need to be carefully considered before implementing any major solar energy initiatives in the region.

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.