Solar PV Analysis of Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France
The location of Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 48.6936 and longitude 2.5282, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. However, the effectiveness of solar PV systems at this location varies significantly across seasons.
During the summer months, this location experiences its peak solar energy production potential, with an average daily output of 5.56 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This makes summer the ideal time for solar energy generation in Boussy-Saint-Antoine. The long daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to this higher output.
Spring follows as the second-most productive season, with a daily average of 4.97 kWh per kW. This relatively high output is due to increasing daylight hours and often clearer weather conditions as winter transitions into summer.
Autumn sees a significant drop in solar energy potential, with an average daily output of 2.89 kWh per kW. This decrease is attributed to shorter days and typically more overcast weather as the region moves towards winter.
Winter presents the most challenging season for solar energy production in this location, with a daily average of only 1.34 kWh per kW. The combination of short days, low sun angle, and frequently overcast skies contributes to this reduced output.
Ideal Panel Angle
For a fixed panel installation at this location, the ideal angle to tilt panels to maximize total year-round production from solar PV is 42 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the changing position of the sun across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
There are some environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar production at this location:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences significant cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter months, which can reduce solar energy production.
- Precipitation: Rainfall and occasional snowfall can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
- Air pollution: Being relatively close to Paris, air pollution could sometimes affect solar irradiance reaching the panels.
To mitigate these factors and ensure greater energy production, the following preventative measures can be taken when installing solar:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions.
- Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular cleaning to remove dust, pollen, and other debris that may accumulate on the panels.
- Consider using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
- Implement a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues that may arise.
While these factors present challenges, they are not insurmountable, and with proper planning and maintenance, a solar PV system in Boussy-Saint-Antoine can still provide significant energy production, particularly 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 Boussy-Saint-Antoine
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.6936, Longitude: 2.5282 (Boussy-Saint-Antoine, 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 Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France (Lat/Long 48.6936, 2.5282) 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 Boussy-Saint-Antoine, 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 Boussy-Saint-Antoine, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32° South in Summer | 52° South in Autumn | 62° South in Winter | 41° 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 Boussy-Saint-Antoine, 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 Boussy-Saint-Antoine, 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 Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France
Boussy-Saint-Antoine is located in the Île-de-France region, about 25 km southeast of Paris. The topography of this area is generally characterized by:
1. Relatively flat terrain: The region is part of the Paris Basin, which is known for its gently rolling plains and plateaus.
2. Low elevation: The average elevation in this area is around 80-100 meters above sea level.
3. River valleys: The town is situated near the confluence of the Seine and Yerres rivers, which have carved shallow valleys in the landscape.
4. Forested areas: There are some small forests and wooded areas interspersed throughout the region.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, the following factors should be considered:
1. Open, flat areas: Large, unobstructed spaces are ideal for solar farms.
2. South-facing slopes: Gentle south-facing slopes can improve solar panel efficiency.
3. Minimal shading: Areas away from tall buildings or dense forests are preferable.
4. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Locations near power lines and substations are advantageous.
Given these factors, some potentially suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Boussy-Saint-Antoine might include:
1. Agricultural lands: The surrounding rural areas with open fields could be suitable, particularly those not used for high-value crops.
2. Former industrial sites or brownfields: These areas are often flat and already connected to power infrastructure.
3. Areas along major transportation corridors: Land adjacent to highways or railways that is not suitable for other development could be used for solar installations.
4. Unused portions of airports or airfields: If any exist in the vicinity, these large open spaces could be suitable.
It's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed analysis, including environmental impact assessments, local zoning regulations, and grid connection feasibility studies. Additionally, France has strict regulations regarding the use of agricultural land for solar installations, so this would need to be carefully considered in any planning process.
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: Tuesday 16th 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.
