Torslanda, Västra Götaland County, Sweden, situated at latitude 57.7259 and longitude 11.7707, presents a challenging location for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Torslanda varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer months offer the most favorable conditions, with an impressive daily output of 5.98 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.44 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter present substantial challenges, with outputs dropping to 1.67 kWh/day and a mere 0.66 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Installation Angle

To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 48 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the specific latitude of Torslanda.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather-related factors can impede solar production in Torslanda:

1. Long, dark winters: The high latitude results in very short days during winter months, severely limiting solar energy production.
2. Cloud cover: The coastal location can lead to frequent cloud cover, reducing solar irradiance.
3. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, blocking sunlight and reducing efficiency.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and ensure greater energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Torslanda:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions to maximize output during darker months.
• Install snow guards or implement a regular snow removal routine to prevent accumulation on panels.
• Consider incorporating a dual-axis tracking system to follow the sun's path, potentially increasing energy yield by up to 30%.
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat potential salt spray accumulation from the nearby coast.

While Torslanda's location presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option, 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 Torslanda

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.7259, Longitude: 11.7707 (Torslanda, 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 Torslanda, Sweden

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Torslanda, Sweden (Lat/Long 57.7259, 11.7707) 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 Torslanda, 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 Torslanda, 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	59° 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 Torslanda, 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 Torslanda, 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 Torslanda, Sweden

The area surrounding Torslanda, Sweden, located at coordinates 57.7259°N, 11.7707°E, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the western Swedish coast. This region, situated on the outskirts of Gothenburg, features a mix of coastal landscapes and inland terrain. Along the coastline, the topography is dominated by rocky shores and small islands. The shoreline is irregular, with numerous bays and inlets creating a jagged appearance. These coastal areas are relatively low-lying, with gentle slopes leading up from the water's edge. As you move inland from the coast, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated, with rolling hills and small valleys interspersed throughout the landscape.

Inland Topography

Further inland, the topography becomes more varied. The land gradually rises, forming low hills and ridges. These elevations are generally modest, rarely exceeding 100 meters above sea level. The terrain is punctuated by areas of flat or gently sloping land, often used for agriculture or urban development. Small forests and wooded areas are scattered across the region, adding to the topographic diversity.

Suitability for Solar PV

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 exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from surrounding terrain or vegetation. Some of the most promising areas for solar PV development in the vicinity of Torslanda would likely be found slightly inland, away from the immediate coastal zone. The flat or gently sloping agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Torslanda could potentially offer suitable sites for solar installations. These areas typically have fewer obstructions and could provide the necessary space for large-scale projects. Additionally, some of the elevated areas on the hills and ridges inland from Torslanda might also be suitable, particularly south-facing slopes that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. However, care would need to be taken to avoid areas of ecological importance or those with significant forest cover. It's important to note that while the topography plays a crucial role in determining suitable locations for solar PV, other factors such as grid connectivity, land ownership, and local regulations would also need to be considered in any actual development plans.

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.