Solar PV Analysis of Bergerac, France
The location at Bergerac, France is quite suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round. However, the amount of electricity produced varies with different seasons.
In summer and spring, the panels would generate more electricity because there are longer daylight hours and higher sun intensity. Specifically, in summer you can expect to produce around 6.25 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of solar installed; while in spring it's about 5.43 kWh/day per kW installed.
On the other hand, during autumn and winter when days are shorter and sunlight is less intense, the output decreases significantly - approximately 3.23 kWh/day per kW installed in autumn and only about 1.83 kWh/day per kW installed in winter.
Therefore, if you're planning to install a solar PV system here, consider that the most effective times for energy production will be during spring and summer months.
For optimal performance throughout the year from your solar PV system at this location, panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 39 degrees facing southward as this maximises exposure to sunlight over all four seasons.
As far as local environmental or weather factors that could potentially hinder solar production here: Bergerac does experience some rainfall throughout the year which could affect panel efficiency temporarily due to cloud cover or direct obstruction by raindrops on panels' surface. Occasional snowfall during winter might also block sunlight if not promptly cleared off from panel surfaces.
To mitigate these issues:
1) Installing a monitoring system would allow you to track your panels' performance regularly so any significant drop due to weather conditions can be addressed quickly.
2) For heavy rain or snowfall events - having a plan for manual removal of excess water/snow from your panels will help maintain their efficiency.
3) Consider installing automatic cleaners or sprinklers that activate periodically keeping panel surfaces clean enhancing light absorption capacity.
4) If feasible, you can also opt for solar tracking systems that adjust the angle of panels throughout the day to follow sun's movement ensuring maximum exposure.
Remember, while these measures can help improve your system’s performance, they may increase installation and maintenance costs. It would be beneficial to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before deciding on any additional features.
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 447 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 Bergerac
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.8486, Longitude: 0.4824 (Bergerac, 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 Bergerac, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bergerac, France (Lat/Long 44.8486, 0.4824) 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 Bergerac, 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 Bergerac, 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 | 60° South in Winter | 37° 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 Bergerac, 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 Bergerac, 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 Bergerac, France
Bergerac, France is located in the Dordogne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The topography around Bergerac is characterized by a mix of flat and hilly terrains. It's nestled within the valley of Dordogne River, surrounded by vineyards, farmlands, and forests.
Considering solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, flat areas with ample sun exposure would be most suitable. In this context, undeveloped or underused land such as vacant farmland could be ideal for large-scale solar PV projects. Also worth considering are industrial zones or commercial rooftops which can accommodate sizable rooftop solar systems.
However, it's important to note that suitability for solar PV doesn't solely depend on topography but also factors like local climate (sunlight hours), grid connectivity infrastructure and local regulations regarding land use and renewable energy installations.
To identify specific sites best suited for large-scale solar PV near Bergerac would require a detailed site assessment including GIS analysis taking into account all these factors.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 24th of March 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
