Avranches, Normandy, a town in northern France, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact solar PV performance.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.52kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.21kWh/day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for solar energy production, with longer days and typically clearer skies. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar output, dropping to 2.90kWh/day. This reduction is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and increased cloud cover as the year progresses towards winter. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy production in Avranches, Normandy, with output plummeting to just 1.36kWh/day. The combination of short days, low sun angle, and frequent overcast conditions contributes to this significant drop in performance.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Avranches, Normandy, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 42 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

While Avranches doesn't face extreme environmental challenges, there are some factors that could impact solar production: 1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloudy days, especially in autumn and winter. To mitigate this, high-efficiency panels that perform well in diffuse light conditions should be considered. 2. Coastal proximity: Avranches is relatively close to the coast, which can lead to salt spray in the air. Using corrosion-resistant mounting hardware and regularly cleaning panels can help maintain optimal performance. 3. Potential for fog: Coastal areas can experience fog, particularly in the mornings. Installing panels at a slightly steeper angle than the calculated optimum might help reduce the impact of morning dew and fog. By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar PV systems in Avranches can achieve better year-round performance, capitalizing on the excellent conditions during spring and summer while minimizing the impact of less favorable winter conditions.

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 Avranches

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.6808, Longitude: -1.3595 (Avranches, 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 42° South in Avranches, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Avranches, France (Lat/Long 48.6808, -1.3595) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Avranches, 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 Avranches, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
32° South in Summer	52° South in Autumn	62° South in Winter	41° 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 Avranches, 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 Avranches, 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 Avranches, France

The area around Avranches, France, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Located in the Normandy region, Avranches sits on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, providing it with a commanding view of the landscape.

To the north and east of Avranches, the terrain is primarily composed of gently rolling hills and plateaus. This area is known as the Cotentin Peninsula, which features a mix of agricultural land, pastures, and scattered woodlands. The undulating landscape creates a patchwork of fields and hedgerows, typical of the Norman countryside.

To the south and southwest, the topography becomes more dramatic as it approaches the coast. The land gradually slopes down towards the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This coastal area is characterized by vast tidal flats, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. The famous Mont Saint-Michel itself rises as a prominent rocky island just off the coast, creating a stunning contrast to the flat surrounding landscape.

Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the regions to the north and east of Avranches show the most promise. The gently rolling hills and plateaus of the Cotentin Peninsula offer several advantages for solar energy development:

1. These areas typically have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, such as tall buildings or dense forests.
2. The slightly elevated terrain may receive more consistent sunlight throughout the day.
3. The land is often already used for agriculture, which could potentially allow for dual-use solar installations that combine energy production with farming activities.

However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental impact, and the region's cultural heritage. The area's natural beauty and historical significance mean that any development would likely face scrutiny to ensure it doesn't negatively impact the landscape or tourism.

The coastal areas to the south and southwest, while picturesque, are less suitable for large-scale solar installations due to their ecological sensitivity, tidal nature, and importance to tourism. Additionally, the salt air and potential for flooding in these areas could pose challenges for solar equipment.

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.