Estillac, France, situated at latitude 44.1585 and longitude 0.5617, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone locale experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which directly impact the efficiency of photovoltaic systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Estillac, with an impressive daily output of 6.22 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.38 kWh/day. These warmer months, characterized by longer daylight hours and higher sun angles, offer optimal conditions for solar power generation.

Autumn sees a noticeable decline in solar output, with 3.17 kWh/day. Winter presents the greatest challenge, producing only 1.77 kWh/day. This substantial drop is due to shorter days, lower sun angles, and potentially increased cloud cover during the colder months.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Estillac, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing South. This optimal angle ensures the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental Considerations

While Estillac's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact system performance:

• Winter fog: The region may experience foggy conditions during winter months, which could temporarily reduce solar output.
• Occasional hailstorms: Though infrequent, hailstorms pose a risk to solar panel integrity.

To mitigate these risks, consider installing hail-resistant solar panels and implementing a regular cleaning schedule to remove any dust or debris that might accumulate, especially after foggy periods. Additionally, a monitoring system can help track performance and identify any unexpected drops in output.

In conclusion, while Estillac experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, its overall climate and latitude make it a viable location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and preventative measures, solar energy can be effectively harnessed year-round, with peak performance 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 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 Estillac

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.1585, Longitude: 0.5617 (Estillac, 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 38° South in Estillac, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Estillac, France (Lat/Long 44.1585, 0.5617) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Estillac, 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 Estillac, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
28° South in Summer	48° South in Autumn	59° South in Winter	37° 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 Estillac, 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 Estillac, 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 Estillac, France

The area surrounding Estillac, France, located at coordinates 44.1585 latitude and 0.5617 longitude, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape typical of the Lot-et-Garonne department in southwestern France. This region is part of the larger Aquitaine Basin, known for its varied topography that includes rolling hills, river valleys, and fertile plains. Estillac itself is situated in a relatively flat area, with subtle elevation changes throughout the immediate vicinity. The terrain gradually rises towards the north and east, forming low hills and ridges that provide a picturesque backdrop to the local scenery. To the south and west, the land tends to be flatter, with occasional gentle slopes and small valleys carved by local streams and rivers. The Garonne River, a major waterway in the region, flows several kilometers to the east of Estillac. Its broad valley has shaped much of the surrounding landscape, creating alluvial plains and terraces that have been cultivated for centuries. These fertile lowlands are interspersed with patches of woodland and small copses, adding to the area's visual appeal and ecological diversity.

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 gently sloping terrain to the south and west of Estillac presents promising opportunities for solar energy development. These areas benefit from relatively flat expanses that receive ample sunlight throughout the day, making them ideal for maximizing solar panel efficiency. The agricultural plains surrounding Estillac, particularly those not used for high-value crops or vineyards, could be suitable for solar farms. These open spaces offer the necessary land area for large-scale installations while minimizing potential conflicts with other land uses or natural habitats. Areas with slight southern-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous for solar PV projects, as they naturally orient panels towards the sun's path, potentially increasing energy yield. However, care should be taken to avoid any locations prone to flooding or with unstable soil conditions. It's important to note that while the topography around Estillac is generally favorable for solar development, other factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and environmental considerations would need to be carefully evaluated before embarking on any large-scale solar PV projects in the region.

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.