Recommendations for modelling
PV systems in Nordic conditions

Photovoltaic (PV) system performance is greatly impacted by operating conditions, which depend on local climate, latitude, surrounding environment and system design. Commercial PV simulation software often provides several configurable options that can improve the accuracy of PV simulations under Nordic conditions, for example through the selection of input data, loss parameters, and specific models. This website summarizes current knowledge and provides recommendations on how Nordic conditions can be taken into account at the different stages of the PV modelling chain. However, the options available vary between different software tools. In Norway, PVsyst, PV*Sol, PVcase, and PVGIS are commonly used. Most of the recommendations presented here apply to tools such as PVsyst, where detailed modelling is performed and multiple options are available within the modelling framework.

Modelling PV systems under Nordic conditions is an evolving research field and a central topic within FME SOLAR. The website will be updated regularly with results from FME SOLAR as well as other relevant projects. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for updates or corrections, please contact WP2 manager Mari B. Øgaard (mari.ogaard@ife.no).

Existing standards for PV simulation in Norway: The Norwegian standard NS 3031:2025 provides a standardized, normative method for calculating PV electricity production in buildings, thereby establishing a common reference level for building energy calculations. It is referenced in the Norwegian building code and is therefore relevant in many applications. The standard includes simplified calculation models, along with guidance on key input parameters.