Solar PV Analysis of Bazougers, France
The location of Bazougers, Pays de la Loire, France, situated at latitude 48.0197 and longitude -0.5805, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which can impact the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Output
Solar energy production in Bazougers fluctuates considerably across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.52 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.21 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in production during autumn (2.90 kWh/day) and winter (1.36 kWh/day).
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenge of maintaining consistent energy output throughout the year. This variation is primarily due to the location's latitude, which affects the angle and duration of sunlight received across seasons.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bazougers, Pays de la Loire, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 41 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Best Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal period for solar energy generation in Bazougers is from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to peak solar panel efficiency. However, energy production can still be significant in early spring and late autumn, especially on clear days.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Bazougers doesn't face extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The region can experience overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which may reduce solar output.
- Snow and frost: Winter months might see occasional snowfall or frost, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in low-light conditions. Additionally, ensure panels are installed at an angle that facilitates natural snow slide-off, and implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove any debris or frost buildup.
In conclusion, while Bazougers isn't an ideal location for year-round solar energy production due to significant seasonal variations, proper panel installation and maintenance can still yield substantial energy output, especially during the 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 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 Bazougers
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.0197, Longitude: -0.5805 (Bazougers, 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 41° South in Bazougers, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bazougers, France (Lat/Long 48.0197, -0.5805) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Bazougers, 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 Bazougers, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° 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 | 51° South in Autumn | 62° South in Winter | 40° 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 Bazougers, 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 Bazougers, 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 Bazougers, France
The area around Bazougers, France, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the Mayenne department in the Pays de la Loire region. This rural landscape is predominantly composed of agricultural fields, pastures, and scattered woodlands. The terrain is generally low-lying, with subtle variations in elevation creating a softly undulating topography.
Small hills and shallow valleys are common features in this area, with elevations typically ranging from about 70 to 120 meters above sea level. The landscape is dotted with hedgerows, which are traditional field boundaries made up of trees and shrubs. These hedgerows, known as "bocage" in French, contribute to the area's picturesque appearance and provide habitats for local wildlife.
Several small streams and rivers meander through the region, including the Vaige River, which flows near Bazougers. These waterways have, over time, shaped the gentle contours of the land, creating shallow river valleys and occasional floodplains.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the most appropriate locations would likely be found in the more open, flatter agricultural areas surrounding Bazougers. Ideal sites would have the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping terrain to minimize installation costs and maximize sun exposure
- Large, contiguous parcels of land with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Easy access to existing roads and electrical infrastructure
- Areas with lower agricultural productivity or fallow fields to minimize impact on food production
Specific locations that might be suitable could include larger agricultural fields to the south and east of Bazougers, where the terrain tends to be more open and less interrupted by woodlands. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned to balance energy production goals with preservation of the region's agricultural heritage and scenic rural character.
Additionally, local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and grid connection capabilities would need to be thoroughly assessed before determining the feasibility of any large-scale solar PV project in this area. Consultation with local authorities and environmental experts would be crucial in identifying the most appropriate sites for such development.
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: Monday 19th of August 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.
