Tumba, Stockholm County, Sweden, located at a latitude of 59.2006 and longitude of 17.8401, presents a challenging environment for solar PV generation due to its northern location, though it still offers viable energy production during parts of the year.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy generation in Tumba varies dramatically across seasons. Summer is the most productive period, yielding 5.76kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 4.03kWh/day. Production drops significantly in autumn to just 1.53kWh/day, while winter sees minimal generation at only 0.55kWh/day per installed kilowatt.

This seasonal pattern means that approximately 70% of annual solar energy is generated during spring and summer months. The stark contrast between summer and winter production (more than 10 times difference) highlights the highly seasonal nature of solar generation at this northern latitude.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Tumba, Stockholm County, the ideal tilt angle is 49 degrees facing South. This specific angle maximizes year-round energy production by optimizing the capture of available sunlight across all seasons, accounting for the lower sun angles common at northern latitudes.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant factors can impact solar production in Tumba:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can completely cover panels, reducing or eliminating production during an already low-yield season
• Frequent cloudy conditions in autumn and winter further diminish production during these seasons
• Extended periods of low light intensity during winter months limit generation potential
• Potential for ice formation on panels can damage equipment and reduce efficiency

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar production despite these challenges, several measures can be implemented:

• Install panels at steeper angles (the recommended 49 degrees helps) to promote snow sliding off panels
• Consider snow removal systems or regular manual clearing during winter months
• Use high-efficiency panels specifically designed for low-light conditions
• Implement bifacial panels that can capture reflected light from snow cover
• Consider dual-axis tracking systems to maximize capture during limited daylight periods (though cost-benefit analysis is essential)

While Tumba presents challenges for year-round solar production, proper system design focusing on maximizing spring and summer generation can still make solar PV a worthwhile investment as part of a diversified energy strategy.

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 Tumba

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 59.2006, Longitude: 17.8401 (Tumba, 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 49° South in Tumba, Sweden

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tumba, Sweden (Lat/Long 59.2006, 17.8401) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 49° 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 Tumba, 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 Tumba, Sweden. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 49° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
42° South in Summer	61° South in Autumn	71° South in Winter	51° 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 Tumba, 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 Tumba, 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 Tumba, Sweden

The landscape around Tumba, Sweden is characterized by a mix of gently rolling terrain, forested areas, and numerous lakes, typical of the Stockholm County region. Tumba sits at a modest elevation, with the terrain generally sloping downward from west to east. The area features a post-glacial topography shaped by the retreat of ice sheets, resulting in a combination of moraine ridges, eskers, and depressions filled with water bodies. To the north and west of Tumba, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated and undulating, with scattered hills covered predominantly by coniferous forests. These higher points rarely exceed 100 meters above sea level but provide subtle relief to the otherwise relatively flat landscape. The southeastern direction from Tumba leads toward Lake Mälaren, one of Sweden's largest lakes, where the elevation gradually decreases.

Water Features

The region around Tumba is dotted with numerous small to medium-sized lakes, including Lake Tullingesjön to the northeast and Lake Albysjön to the east. These water bodies are remnants of glacial activity and contribute significantly to the local microclimate. Additionally, several streams and minor waterways crisscross the terrain, creating natural drainage systems throughout the area.

Vegetation and Land Use

The natural vegetation consists primarily of mixed boreal forest, with pine and spruce dominating the higher ground and deciduous trees such as birch and aspen in lower, moister areas. The forest cover is interspersed with cleared areas for agriculture, residential developments, and some industrial zones, particularly closer to the urban center of Tumba itself.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several nearby areas show promising characteristics. The gently sloping terrain to the south and southwest of Tumba presents particularly favorable conditions. These areas benefit from a southerly aspect that maximizes exposure to the sun's path across the sky. The slight incline helps reduce mutual shading between rows of solar panels, enhancing overall efficiency. Former agricultural lands or cleared forest areas that lie on south-facing slopes would be prime candidates for solar development. Specifically, the more open areas between Tumba and Södertälje, approximately 10-15 kilometers to the southwest, offer a good combination of appropriate topography and relatively sparse population density.

Topographical Considerations

When evaluating specific sites, several topographical factors merit attention. Areas with minimal north-facing slopes should be avoided, as they receive significantly less direct sunlight throughout the year. Similarly, deep valleys or locations immediately adjacent to tall forest stands on their southern side would experience extended periods of shading. The presence of numerous lakes in the region creates potential for increased diffuse radiation through reflection, which could marginally enhance solar generation when panels are positioned to capture this additional light. However, the proximity to water bodies should be balanced against potential concerns regarding land stability and seasonal flooding risks.

Infrastructure Integration

The existing infrastructure around Tumba provides additional advantages for solar development. The area has a well-developed road network, facilitating construction and maintenance access. Furthermore, the proximity to Stockholm's metropolitan area means that electrical grid connections are relatively accessible, reducing the costs associated with transmission infrastructure development. The relatively flat plateaus found in cleared areas between forest patches represent the most straightforward development opportunities, requiring minimal earthwork or terrain modification. These locations would allow for standardized installation approaches and efficient use of land area for solar array deployment.

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.