Beaumont-le-Hareng, Normandy, France, situated at latitude 49.6662 and longitude 1.2261, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which directly impacts the effectiveness of solar PV installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production at Beaumont-le-Hareng varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.45 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.12 kWh/day. These seasons offer the best conditions for solar energy harvesting due to longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies. Autumn sees a notable decrease in solar output, with an average of 2.72 kWh/day. This reduction is primarily due to shorter days and increased cloud cover typical of the season. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy production, with a significantly lower output of 1.22 kWh/day. The combination of short days, low sun angle, and frequent overcast conditions contribute to this substantial drop in performance.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Beaumont-le-Hareng, Normandy, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 42 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially impact solar production at this location: 1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloudy days, especially during autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output. 2. Precipitation: Rain and occasional snow can temporarily decrease panel efficiency and may require more frequent cleaning. 3. Temperature fluctuations: While not extreme, temperature variations between seasons can affect panel efficiency, with cooler temperatures generally being more favorable for solar panel performance. To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures: - Use high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions. - Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt, debris, and snow from panels. - Install a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues. - Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during the less productive months. By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar PV installations in Beaumont-le-Hareng can still provide a valuable source of renewable energy, particularly during the spring and summer months when production is at its peak.

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 Beaumont-le-Hareng

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.6662, Longitude: 1.2261 (Beaumont-le-Hareng, 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 Beaumont-le-Hareng, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Beaumont-le-Hareng, France (Lat/Long 49.6662, 1.2261) 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 Beaumont-le-Hareng, 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 Beaumont-le-Hareng, 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
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 Beaumont-le-Hareng, 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 Beaumont-le-Hareng, 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 Beaumont-le-Hareng, France

The area around Beaumont-le-Hareng, France, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Normandy region. This rural landscape is predominantly composed of agricultural fields, pastures, and small patches of woodland. The terrain is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 200 meters above sea level.

The topography in this part of Normandy is shaped by centuries of farming and human activity. You'll find a patchwork of fields separated by hedgerows, a feature known as "bocage" that is common in this region. Small streams and rivers meander through the countryside, creating subtle variations in the landscape.

While the area is not mountainous, it does have some gentle slopes and undulations. These features create a mix of flat areas and slightly inclined surfaces, which can affect the suitability for large-scale solar PV installations.

For large-scale solar PV projects, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be the relatively flat, open agricultural fields. These areas offer several advantages:

1. They typically have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels.
2. The land is already cleared, reducing the need for extensive site preparation.
3. Larger, contiguous areas are available, allowing for more efficient layout of solar arrays.

Ideally, south-facing slopes would be preferred for solar PV installations in this hemisphere, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, given the gentle nature of the terrain, even relatively flat areas could be suitable with proper panel orientation.

It's important to note that while the topography may be suitable, other factors such as local regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects in this area.

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.