Solar PV Analysis of Albertville, France
Albertville, France, situated at latitude 45.6731 and longitude 6.3937, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.36 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.03 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop to 3.24 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.93 kWh/day.
The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy reliance in Albertville. The location is most ideal for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn, with peak performance in the summer months.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Albertville, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 40-degree tilt angle facing south. This optimal angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, particularly enhancing performance during the less productive autumn and winter months.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Albertville's location in the French Alps presents some unique challenges for solar energy production. The mountainous terrain can lead to increased cloud cover and potential shading issues, which may reduce overall solar exposure. Additionally, the region experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can cover panels and decrease efficiency.
To mitigate these factors, solar installations in Albertville should consider:
- Using snow-shedding panel designs or installing panels at steeper angles to promote snow sliding off
- Implementing regular panel cleaning and maintenance, especially after snowfall
- Utilizing micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
- Conducting thorough site assessments to identify and avoid areas prone to excessive shading
While Albertville's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for this Alpine town.
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 627 locations across France. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in France by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Albertville
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.6731, Longitude: 6.3937 (Albertville, France), 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 40° South in Albertville, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Albertville, France (Lat/Long 45.6731, 6.3937) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Albertville, France
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 Albertville, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30° South in Summer | 49° South in Autumn | 60° South in Winter | 38° 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 Albertville, France
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 Albertville, France.
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 Albertville, France
The area around Albertville, France, is characterized by diverse and dramatic topography typical of the French Alps region. Albertville itself sits in a valley at an elevation of about 350 meters (1,150 feet) above sea level, surrounded by much higher mountains and peaks.
The terrain immediately surrounding the town is relatively flat, consisting of the valley floor formed by the confluence of the Arly and Isère rivers. This area is densely populated and developed, with urban and suburban landscapes dominating the immediate vicinity of Albertville.
As you move away from the town center, the landscape quickly becomes more mountainous. To the east and southeast, the terrain rises sharply into the Beaufortain Massif, a subrange of the French Alps. These mountains feature steep slopes, dense forests, and high alpine meadows. Some peaks in this area reach heights of over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).
To the west and northwest, the topography is similarly mountainous, transitioning into the Bauges Massif. This area is characterized by rugged limestone peaks, deep valleys, and picturesque mountain lakes. The terrain here is generally less severe than the Beaufortain Massif but still presents significant elevation changes.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the broader valley floors and gentler slopes surrounding Albertville, rather than in the immediate vicinity of the town or on the steepest mountain slopes. The following areas might be considered:
- The wider Isère Valley to the north and south of Albertville, where there are more extensive flat or gently sloping areas.
- Lower elevation areas of the Bauges Massif to the west, where some plateaus and less steep hillsides might be found.
- South-facing slopes at lower elevations in the surrounding mountains, provided they are not too steep and are accessible for construction and maintenance.
It's important to note that while the region receives ample sunlight, especially at higher elevations, the mountainous terrain presents challenges for large-scale solar installations. Factors such as shading from nearby peaks, limited accessible flat land, and potential environmental and visual impact concerns would need to be carefully considered in any solar PV project in this alpine region.
France solar PV Stats as a country
France ranks 11th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 14,718 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 2.80% of France's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 30th in the world). Each year France is generating 218 Watts from solar PV per capita (France ranks 23rd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in France?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in France. The French government offers a range of financial incentives and tax credits to encourage businesses to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), which pays businesses for the electricity they generate from their solar panels, and the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a 30% tax credit on investments made in renewable energy systems. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for grants or loans from local authorities or regional development agencies.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in France? 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: Saturday 20th of July 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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