Coulaures, a commune in southwestern France, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact solar photovoltaic (PV) performance.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy potential in Coulaures fluctuates considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.05 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.27 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in energy production, with autumn yielding 3.12 kWh/day and winter plummeting to a mere 1.67 kWh/day.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Coulaures, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 39 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's varying position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Coulaures generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact efficiency. The region experiences a temperate climate with occasional cloudy days, particularly during autumn and winter. These overcast periods can reduce solar panel output.

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Regular cleaning of panels to remove dust and debris
• Installing micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Considering a tracking system for larger installations to follow the sun's path

Conclusion

While Coulaures may not be an ideal location for year-round solar energy production due to its significant seasonal variations, it still offers substantial potential, especially during spring and summer. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a viable and beneficial source of renewable energy in this French commune.

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 Coulaures

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.3048, Longitude: 0.9813 (Coulaures, 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 Coulaures, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Coulaures, France (Lat/Long 45.3048, 0.9813) 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 Coulaures, 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 Coulaures, 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	38° 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 Coulaures, 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 Coulaures, 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 Coulaures, France

The topography around Coulaures, France, located at latitude 45.3048 and longitude 0.9813, is characterized by gently rolling hills and picturesque valleys typical of the Dordogne region. This area, situated in the southwestern part of France, features a diverse landscape with a mix of agricultural fields, woodlands, and small rivers cutting through the terrain. The countryside surrounding Coulaures is predominantly rural, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 250 meters above sea level. The land is generally undulating, with no dramatic peaks or steep cliffs. Instead, visitors will find a patchwork of fields, meadows, and forested areas that create a charming, pastoral setting. The nearby Auvézère River and its tributaries have carved shallow valleys through the landscape over time, adding to the area's gentle contours.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations for solar farms in this region would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. South-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous, as they receive more direct sunlight in the northern hemisphere. The agricultural plains to the south and southeast of Coulaures could potentially offer suitable sites for solar PV projects. These areas tend to have fewer trees and more open spaces, which would minimize shading issues and allow for larger, uninterrupted arrays of solar panels. Additionally, some of the higher ground in the vicinity, especially on the tops of the rolling hills, could provide excellent locations for solar installations, as they would be less likely to be affected by morning and evening shadows cast by the surrounding landscape. However, it's important to note that the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage are significant factors to consider. Any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned to balance energy production with environmental and cultural preservation. Local authorities and residents would likely prefer installations that can be integrated harmoniously into the existing landscape, perhaps utilizing brownfield sites or less productive agricultural land to minimize the impact on the region's character and economy.

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.

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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.