Solar PV Analysis of Caen, France
Situated in Caen, Normandy, France (Latitude: 49.1837, Longitude: -0.356), the potential for solar power generation is significant due to its relatively high sunlight exposure throughout the year. During the summer season, it can generate an average of 5.68kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity; this figure slightly decreases to 5.24kWh/day per kW during springtime.
However, as expected with a location within the Northern Temperate Zone like Caen, Normandy, there are fewer daylight hours and less direct sunlight during autumn and winter seasons which affects solar power production. During these seasons, energy output drops to an average of 2.71kWh/day per kW in autumn and even further down to just 1.18kWh/day per kW in winter.
For optimal performance from fixed panel installations at this location, it is recommended that panels be tilted at an angle of 42 degrees towards the south; this orientation maximizes exposure to sunlight across all seasons.
Despite these promising figures though, local weather conditions could pose challenges as heavy rain or snowfall may obstruct sunlight from reaching the panels thereby reducing their efficiency significantly.
To mitigate such issues and ensure greater energy production year-round despite varying weather conditions or seasonal changes in daylight hours:
- Regular maintenance checks should be carried out on installed panels for cleaning any snow or debris that might have accumulated.
- Consideration could also be given towards installing a system with adjustable tilt angles so that they can capture maximum available sunlight across different seasons.
- Lastly, ensuring proper installation away from shadowing structures will help maximize exposure to available light throughout all times of day and year.
In summary: while Caen's geographical position does afford substantial potential for solar power generation overall - particularly during spring and summer months - careful consideration must still be given towards mitigating factors such as inclement weather conditions when planning a successful long-term installation at this location.
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 Caen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.1837, Longitude: -0.356 (Caen, 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 Caen, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Caen, France (Lat/Long 49.1837, -0.356) 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 Caen, 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 Caen, 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 | 52° South in Autumn | 63° 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 Caen, 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 Caen, 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 Caen, France
The topography around Caen, France is generally flat with some low hills. The area is well suited for large scale solar PV installations due to its high levels of sunshine and relatively flat terrain. Areas near the coast, such as the beaches along the English Channel, are particularly suitable for large-scale solar PV installations due to their abundant sunlight and open space. Additionally, areas near rivers or other bodies of water could be ideal locations for large-scale solar PV systems due to their ample access to water for cooling purposes.
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: Thursday 10th of August 2023
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.
