Solar PV Analysis of Beaurepaire, France
The location of Beaurepaire, France, situated at latitude 45.3357 and longitude 5.0603, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar PV energy generation. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Beaurepaire varies considerably throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average daily output of 6.24 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.37 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in production during autumn (3.17 kWh/day) and winter (1.68 kWh/day).
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round. While summer months offer excellent solar generation potential, the winter months may require supplementary energy sources or significant energy storage solutions.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Beaurepaire, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Beaurepaire:
- Snow accumulation in winter: This can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
- Cloud cover: The region may experience periods of overcast weather, particularly in autumn and winter.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal, can also help maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
While Beaurepaire's location is not ideal for consistent year-round solar energy production, it still offers significant potential, especially during spring and summer. With proper panel placement and mitigation strategies for winter challenges, solar PV can be a valuable component of the local energy mix, though it may need to be complemented by other energy sources for year-round reliability.
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 Beaurepaire
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.3357, Longitude: 5.0603 (Beaurepaire, 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 39° South in Beaurepaire, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Beaurepaire, France (Lat/Long 45.3357, 5.0603) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Beaurepaire, 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 Beaurepaire, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29° South in Summer | 49° South in Autumn | 59° 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 Beaurepaire, 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 Beaurepaire, 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 Beaurepaire, France
The area around Beaurepaire, France, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Situated in the Isère department, Beaurepaire lies in a valley surrounded by gently rolling hills and low mountains.
To the west of Beaurepaire, you'll find the Pilat Regional Natural Park, which features a mix of forested areas and open grasslands. The terrain here gradually rises, with some peaks reaching heights of around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). To the east, the landscape becomes more level as it approaches the Rhône River valley.
The immediate vicinity of Beaurepaire is primarily composed of agricultural land, with fields and orchards dotting the countryside. Small streams and rivers crisscross the area, contributing to its fertile nature. The town itself sits at an elevation of approximately 270 meters (885 feet) above sea level.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from nearby hills or mountains. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Beaurepaire could be potential candidates:
- The agricultural plains to the east and southeast of Beaurepaire, extending towards the Rhône River valley, offer large, open spaces with minimal elevation changes. These areas receive ample sunlight throughout the day and have fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels.
- Some of the more gently sloping hillsides to the north and south of Beaurepaire might also be suitable, particularly if they have a southern exposure. These locations could potentially capture more direct sunlight throughout the year.
- Abandoned or less productive agricultural land in the surrounding region could be repurposed for solar farms, providing a balance between energy production and preservation of prime agricultural areas.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site assessments, environmental impact studies, and compliance with local regulations. The final selection of suitable areas would need to take into account not only topographical features but also factors such as grid connectivity, land ownership, and local community considerations.
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: Wednesday 24th 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.
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.
