The location of Cernay, Grand Est, France, situated at 47.8069° N latitude and 7.1802° E longitude, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy potential, which directly impacts the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Cernay, Grand Est, with an impressive daily output of 5.74 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high yield is due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight. Spring follows closely, producing 4.89 kWh/day, making it the second-best season for solar energy harvesting.

Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar output, generating 3.02 kWh/day. This reduction is attributed to shorter days and the sun's lower position in the sky. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy production, with a significantly lower output of 1.45 kWh/day, owing to the shortest daylight hours and the sun's lowest position in the sky.

Optimal Panel Placement

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Cernay, Grand Est, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 41-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle ensures the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental Considerations

While Cernay's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
• Fog and overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, may impact solar output

To mitigate these issues, installing panels at the recommended 41-degree tilt can help shed snow more easily. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels can improve performance in diffuse light conditions typical of foggy or overcast days.

In conclusion, while Cernay experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential, proper panel placement and preventative measures can help maximize energy production year-round. The location is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn, with winter presenting the greatest challenges.

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 Cernay

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.8069, Longitude: 7.1802 (Cernay, 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 41° South in Cernay, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cernay, France (Lat/Long 47.8069, 7.1802) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Cernay, 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 Cernay, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
31° South in Summer	51° South in Autumn	61° South in Winter	40° 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 Cernay, 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 Cernay, France.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Cernay, France

The area surrounding Cernay, France, located at coordinates 47.8069°N and 7.1802°E, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Situated in the Alsace region, Cernay lies at the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, creating a landscape that transitions from gently rolling hills to more rugged terrain as one moves westward. To the east of Cernay, the land gradually flattens out into the expansive Rhine Valley. This area is primarily composed of fertile plains and low-lying farmland, with occasional patches of forest interspersed throughout. The relatively flat terrain in this direction stretches for many kilometers before reaching the Rhine River, which forms the border between France and Germany. Heading west from Cernay, the landscape becomes increasingly hilly and eventually mountainous as it enters the Vosges range. These mountains, while not particularly high by Alpine standards, still offer significant elevation changes and create a striking backdrop to the region. The slopes of the Vosges are predominantly covered in dense forests, with some areas cleared for pastures or small-scale agriculture.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the plains to the east of Cernay present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production: Firstly, the relatively flat terrain of the Rhine Valley provides ample space for the installation of large solar arrays without the need for extensive land preparation or terracing. This flat landscape also minimizes shading issues that can occur in more undulating terrain. Secondly, the open nature of the plains means there are fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing their exposure to sunlight throughout the day. The lack of tall vegetation or buildings in many of these areas would allow for optimal positioning of solar panels to capture the most sunlight possible. Additionally, the agricultural nature of much of this land could potentially allow for dual-use scenarios, where solar installations coexist with certain types of farming activities, maximizing land efficiency. It's worth noting that while the hilly and forested areas to the west of Cernay may not be as suitable for large-scale solar installations, they could potentially accommodate smaller, distributed solar projects. These might include rooftop installations on buildings in the towns and villages nestled in the foothills, or small ground-mounted systems in clearings or on less productive agricultural land. Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would, of course, need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and grid connection possibilities. However, the topography and land use patterns in the plains east of Cernay make this area a promising candidate for significant solar energy development.

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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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.