The city of Amiens, France, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located at latitude 49.9007 and longitude 2.2968, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Amiens, with an average daily output of 5.41 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.00 kWh per day. These seasons offer the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies.

Autumn sees a considerable drop in solar energy generation, producing an average of 2.77 kWh per day. Winter presents the most challenging period, with daily production plummeting to just 1.26 kWh. This stark contrast highlights the importance of considering seasonal variations when planning solar installations in Amiens.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Amiens, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 43-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the city's latitude and the sun's path throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Amiens' location in northern France exposes it to several factors that can impact solar energy production. The region experiences frequent cloud cover and rainfall, particularly during autumn and winter months. These conditions can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency and overall energy output.

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
• Install a robust cleaning system to remove dirt and debris, which can accumulate more quickly in rainy climates
• Consider incorporating energy storage solutions to balance out production fluctuations

While Amiens may not be an ideal location for year-round solar energy production, strategic planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV systems a viable and valuable source of renewable energy in the region.

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 Amiens

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.9007, Longitude: 2.2968 (Amiens, 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 43° South in Amiens, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Amiens, France (Lat/Long 49.9007, 2.2968) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Amiens, 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 Amiens, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
33° South in Summer	53° South in Autumn	63° South in Winter	42° 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 Amiens, 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 Amiens, France.

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 Amiens, France

The topography around Amiens, France, is characterized by gently rolling hills and expansive plains typical of the Picardy region. The city itself is situated in the Somme River valley, with the surrounding landscape gradually rising to form low plateaus and shallow valleys. The terrain is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with elevations ranging from about 14 to 106 meters above sea level. To the north and east of Amiens, the land is mostly comprised of open agricultural fields and meadows, interspersed with small patches of woodland. The soil in this area is generally fertile, supporting extensive farming activities. To the south and west, the landscape becomes slightly more varied, with some areas featuring more pronounced hills and valleys, though still relatively modest in elevation.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Amiens, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those with minimal shading, good sun exposure, and relatively flat terrain to reduce installation costs and maximize energy production. The agricultural lands to the north and east of Amiens present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas offer vast, open spaces with few obstructions to sunlight. The gentle slopes in some locations could even be advantageous, as they may allow for optimal panel orientation without significant earthwork. South of Amiens, towards the communes of Cottenchy and Boves, there are expansive fields that could potentially accommodate large solar arrays. These areas benefit from slightly higher elevations, which may provide better exposure to sunlight throughout the day. However, it's important to note that the region's agricultural importance may pose challenges for large-scale solar development. Balancing the need for renewable energy with preserving valuable farmland would be a crucial consideration. Additionally, any solar projects would need to take into account local regulations, grid connection possibilities, and potential environmental impacts. In conclusion, while the topography around Amiens is generally favorable for solar PV installations, the most suitable locations would likely be found in the open, gently sloping agricultural areas to the north, east, and south of the city. These regions offer the best combination of available land, minimal shading, and suitable terrain for large-scale solar energy production.

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!

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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.