Solar PV Analysis of Draguignan, France
Draguignan, France, situated at latitude 43.533 and longitude 6.4614, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This picturesque town in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences varying levels of solar potential across the seasons, making it an interesting case study for solar PV installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output in Draguignan follows a predictable pattern, with peak production during the summer months. In summer, solar panels can generate an impressive 7.34 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, with 5.77 kWh/day per kW. Autumn sees a significant drop to 3.54 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.25 kWh/day per kW.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal period for solar energy production in Draguignan spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to maximized solar panel efficiency. However, it's worth noting that even during the less productive winter months, the panels continue to generate a meaningful amount of electricity.
Panel Tilt Optimization
For fixed panel installations in Draguignan, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 37 degrees facing south. This angle takes into account the town's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the panels capture as much sunlight as possible across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Draguignan generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider:
- Mistral winds: These strong, cold northwesterly winds can occasionally affect the region, potentially causing dust accumulation on panels.
- Seasonal temperature variations: High summer temperatures might slightly reduce panel efficiency, while winter frost could temporarily impact performance.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing dust-resistant panels and implementing regular cleaning routines. Additionally, choosing high-quality panels with good temperature coefficients can help maintain efficiency across Draguignan's temperature range.
Overall, Draguignan presents a very suitable location for solar PV installations, with its Mediterranean climate providing ample sunlight throughout the year. While seasonal variations exist, the consistent solar potential makes it an attractive option for those looking to harness clean, renewable energy.
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 Draguignan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.533, Longitude: 6.4614 (Draguignan, 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 37° South in Draguignan, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Draguignan, France (Lat/Long 43.533, 6.4614) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Draguignan, 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 Draguignan, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 36° 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 Draguignan, 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 Draguignan, 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 Draguignan, France
The area around Draguignan, France, is characterized by diverse and picturesque topography typical of the Provence region. Located in the department of Var, Draguignan sits in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and low mountains. The landscape is a blend of Mediterranean and Alpine influences, creating a unique and varied terrain.
To the north and east of Draguignan, the terrain becomes more mountainous as it approaches the foothills of the Alps. These areas feature steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and densely forested hillsides. The Gorges du Verdon, a spectacular river canyon, lies about 50 kilometers to the northeast.
To the south and west, the land gradually descends towards the Mediterranean coast. This area is characterized by gentler hills, expansive plateaus, and wide valleys. The Massif des Maures, a low mountain range covered in dense forest, stretches along the coast to the southwest of Draguignan.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found to the south and west of Draguignan. These regions offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- Flatter terrain: The gentler slopes and plateaus in this direction provide more space for large solar arrays without the need for extensive land modification.
- Higher sun exposure: Being closer to the Mediterranean, these areas generally experience more sunny days and less cloud cover than the mountainous regions to the north.
- Easier access: The less rugged terrain makes it simpler to transport equipment and maintain the solar installations.
- Lower ecological impact: Utilizing the more open areas would likely require less deforestation compared to the densely wooded northern regions.
Specific locations that might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects could include the expansive agricultural lands in the Argens River valley to the southwest of Draguignan, or the elevated plateaus between Draguignan and the coast. However, any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and the impact on the region's renowned natural beauty and agricultural heritage.
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: Thursday 22nd of August 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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