Solar PV Analysis of Ytterby, Sweden
Solar Energy Potential in Ytterby, Västra Götaland County, Sweden
Ytterby, Västra Götaland County, Sweden, located at latitude 57.87 and longitude 11.9201 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar energy production. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which greatly impacts the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
During the summer months, Ytterby receives a respectable 6.05 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This period offers the best opportunity for solar energy generation, with long daylight hours and higher sun angles contributing to increased efficiency.
Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 4.52 kWh per day per kW installed. This season sees a noticeable increase in solar potential as daylight hours lengthen and the sun's position in the sky becomes more favorable.
However, the autumn and winter months present significant challenges for solar energy production in Ytterby. Autumn sees a sharp decline to 1.73 kWh per day, while winter productivity plummets to a mere 0.69 kWh per day per kW installed. These low outputs are due to shorter daylight hours, lower sun angles, and increased cloud cover typical of the region's climate.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ytterby, Västra Götaland County, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 48 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture more sunlight during the less productive months while still benefiting from the abundant summer sunshine.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Ytterby:
- Long, dark winters with very short daylight hours
- Frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter
- Potential snow accumulation on panels during winter months
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
- Install snow guards or heating elements to prevent snow accumulation
- Implement a robust cleaning and maintenance schedule to ensure optimal panel performance
- Consider complementing the solar PV system with other renewable energy sources for year-round reliability
While Ytterby's location poses challenges for consistent 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 productive 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 Ytterby
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.87, Longitude: 11.9201 (Ytterby, 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 Ytterby, Sweden
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ytterby, Sweden (Lat/Long 57.87, 11.9201) 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 Ytterby, 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 Ytterby, 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 Ytterby, 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 Ytterby, 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 Ytterby, Sweden
The area around Ytterby, Sweden, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the coastal regions in western Sweden. Ytterby is located on the island of Resö, which is part of the Bohuslän archipelago along the country's western coast.
The landscape in this region is a mix of rocky outcrops, gentle hills, and low-lying areas. The coastline is irregular and indented, featuring numerous small bays, inlets, and fjords. Inland, the terrain gradually rises, forming a series of rolling hills and plateaus. The area is dotted with small forests, primarily consisting of pine and deciduous trees, interspersed with open meadows and agricultural fields.
The bedrock in this region is predominantly composed of ancient granite and gneiss, which often protrudes through the soil, creating distinctive rocky formations. These exposed rock surfaces are a common sight in the area, contributing to its rugged charm. The soil is generally thin, especially on higher ground, but becomes more fertile in the valleys and lowland areas.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be the open, south-facing slopes of hills and plateaus. These locations would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, maximizing the potential for solar energy generation. Additionally, areas with minimal tree cover and away from the immediate coastline (where fog and sea spray might be issues) would be preferable.
Some of the best potential sites for solar PV in the vicinity of Ytterby might include:
- Cleared agricultural land on gentle south-facing slopes
- Elevated plateaus with good sun exposure and minimal shading from nearby terrain
- Repurposed industrial or commercial areas with large, flat rooftops
- Reclaimed quarries or other previously developed sites with suitable orientation
It's important to note that while the topography around Ytterby offers some potential for solar PV, the region's high latitude means it receives less overall sunlight compared to more southern locations. This factor, combined with the often cloudy weather conditions of coastal Sweden, would need to be carefully considered when planning any large-scale solar energy projects in the area.
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: Wednesday 11th 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.
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.
