Solar PV Analysis of Bolbec, France
Bolbec, Normandy, France, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, is a decent location for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar varies throughout the year. In summer and spring, you can expect to generate around 5.45 and 5.12 kilowatt-hours per day respectively - these are the ideal times of year for solar generation at this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
In autumn, output drops to about 2.72 kilowatt-hours per day as days become shorter and sunlight less intense. Winter sees the lowest production with only about 1.22 kilowatt-hours per day due to short daylight hours and often overcast skies.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting your panels at an angle of 42 degrees towards the south will maximize total yearly production from your solar PV system by ensuring they capture as much sunlight as possible throughout different times of year.
However, there could be local factors that might affect solar production in Bolbec such as weather conditions; it's known for its temperate oceanic climate with frequent rainfalls which could obstruct direct sunlight reaching your panels thus reducing their efficiency.
To counteract this issue when installing solar PV systems in Bolbec or similar locations:
1) Choose high-quality panels designed to perform well even under cloudy conditions.
2) Regular maintenance is key – ensure that your panels are clean and free from dust or dirt which can further reduce their efficiency.
3) Consider installing a tracking system that adjusts panel orientation throughout the day following sun’s path maximizing exposure.
4) Lastly, having a backup power source like a generator or battery storage would be beneficial during periods when sunshine is limited.
Remember though while these measures may help enhance performance they also add up costs so it’s important to consider them against potential gains before deciding on installation.
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 Bolbec
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.5701, Longitude: 0.4648 (Bolbec, 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 Bolbec, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bolbec, France (Lat/Long 49.5701, 0.4648) 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 Bolbec, 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 Bolbec, 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 Bolbec, 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 Bolbec, 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 Bolbec, France
Bolbec, France is situated in the region of Normandy. The topography around Bolbec mainly consists of rolling hills and plateaus, with a mix of open fields and forests. It has an elevation ranging from approximately 20 to 140 meters above sea level.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are generally preferred as they require less groundwork for installation and make maintenance easier. The open fields around Bolbec could potentially be suitable for this type of project. However, it's important to consider that Normandy isn't known for its high levels of sunshine - it has a temperate maritime climate with relatively mild temperatures but also significant cloud cover and rainfall.
Therefore, while technically feasible, the efficiency and economic viability of large-scale solar PV in this area would likely be lower than in sunnier regions in southern France or other parts of Europe. A detailed site-specific assessment including climatic conditions (solar irradiance), land availability/use restrictions, grid connection possibilities etc., would be required to determine the most suitable locations for such a project.
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: Friday 28th of June 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.
