Hourtin, France, situated at latitude 45.1876 and longitude -1.054, offers a varied potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Hourtin varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.51 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.19 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.64 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Hourtin is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period offers longer daylight hours and typically clearer skies, maximizing the potential for solar generation.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Hourtin, 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 position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Hourtin's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The area's proximity to the Atlantic coast means it can experience periods of coastal fog or increased cloud cover, particularly in the cooler months. This may temporarily reduce solar output.

To mitigate these effects, installing high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in diffuse light conditions can help maintain energy production during overcast periods. Additionally, implementing a robust cleaning schedule for the panels can prevent salt spray accumulation, which could otherwise impede performance over time.

Conclusion

Overall, Hourtin presents a good location for solar PV installations, especially during the summer and spring months. While winter output is significantly lower, the substantial production during the rest of the year makes it a viable option for renewable energy generation. With proper panel positioning and maintenance, solar energy can be an effective and sustainable power source in this French coastal town.

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 Hourtin

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.1876, Longitude: -1.054 (Hourtin, 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 Hourtin, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hourtin, France (Lat/Long 45.1876, -1.054) 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 Hourtin, 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 Hourtin, 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 Hourtin, 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 Hourtin, 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 Hourtin, France

The topography around Hourtin, France, located at approximately 45.1876° North latitude and 1.054° West longitude, is characterized by a coastal landscape with diverse features. This area is part of the Médoc peninsula in southwestern France, situated between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Gironde estuary to the east. The immediate surroundings of Hourtin consist primarily of flat, low-lying terrain with gentle undulations. The town itself is nestled near the eastern shore of Lake Hourtin-Carcans, the largest freshwater lake in France. This expansive body of water significantly influences the local topography, creating a unique ecosystem where land meets water. To the west of Hourtin, a narrow strip of land separates the lake from the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal area is dominated by long stretches of sandy beaches and dunes, which form a natural barrier against the sea. These dunes can reach considerable heights and are often covered with maritime pine forests, a distinctive feature of this region known as the Landes forest. Inland, to the east of Hourtin, the landscape transitions into a mix of pine forests, heathlands, and agricultural areas. The terrain here is generally flat to gently rolling, with occasional small hills and depressions. This inland area is crisscrossed by a network of small streams and drainage channels, which help manage water levels in this low-lying region.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Hourtin for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would likely be found inland, to the east of Hourtin, for several reasons: Firstly, the flat to gently rolling terrain in this area provides ideal conditions for solar panel installation. Such topography minimizes the need for extensive land preparation and allows for efficient arrangement of solar arrays. Secondly, the inland areas have fewer environmental constraints compared to the coastal zones. The beaches, dunes, and lakeside areas are ecologically sensitive and often protected, making them unsuitable for large-scale development. Thirdly, the presence of existing agricultural land and managed forests in the inland region offers potential for dual-use scenarios. Some of these areas could be repurposed or shared for solar energy production without significantly impacting current land use. Lastly, the inland areas are generally farther from the corrosive effects of salt spray from the ocean, which can be detrimental to solar panel efficiency and longevity. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require careful environmental impact assessments and must comply with local regulations. The region's forestry and agricultural heritage, as well as its natural beauty, are significant factors that would need to be considered in any development plans.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.