Le Fenouiller, Pays de la Loire, France, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.22 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.74 kWh/day. These two seasons offer the best conditions for solar energy production, thanks to longer daylight hours and typically clearer skies. Autumn sees a considerable drop in output, with 3.30 kWh/day. This decrease is due to shorter days and potentially more cloud cover as the weather transitions. Winter presents the biggest challenge for solar generation in Le Fenouiller, Pays de la Loire, with a mere 1.62 kWh/day. The combination of shorter days, lower sun angle, and increased cloud cover significantly reduces solar panel efficiency during this season.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Le Fenouiller, Pays de la Loire, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Factors

While Le Fenouiller's climate is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some factors that could impact production: 1. Cloud cover: The region can experience periods of overcast weather, particularly in autumn and winter, which can reduce solar output. 2. Coastal proximity: Being near the Atlantic coast, salt air could potentially corrode solar equipment over time if not properly protected. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures: - Use high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials for all solar system components. - Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to prevent salt buildup on panels. - Consider micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from clouds. - Install a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues. By taking these precautions, solar installations in Le Fenouiller can maximize their energy production potential throughout the year, despite the seasonal variations and environmental 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 Le Fenouiller

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.7187, Longitude: -1.9073 (Le Fenouiller, 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 40° South in Le Fenouiller, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Le Fenouiller, France (Lat/Long 46.7187, -1.9073) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Le Fenouiller, 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 Le Fenouiller, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° 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	50° South in Autumn	61° South in Winter	39° 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 Le Fenouiller, 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 Le Fenouiller, 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 Le Fenouiller, France

The area surrounding Le Fenouiller, France, is characterized by a gently undulating landscape typical of the Vendée region in western France. This coastal commune sits in a relatively flat area with subtle variations in elevation. The terrain is primarily composed of low-lying plains interspersed with small hills and shallow valleys. To the west of Le Fenouiller, the land gradually slopes towards the Atlantic coast, where it meets the Bay of Bourgneuf. This coastal area features sandy beaches, dunes, and marshlands. Moving inland towards the east, the landscape becomes slightly more varied, with modest hills and shallow depressions creating a softly rolling topography. The region is crisscrossed by small rivers and streams, including the Vie River, which flows near Le Fenouiller. These waterways have carved shallow valleys into the landscape over time, adding to the gentle contours of the area. The land is predominantly used for agriculture, with fields and pastures dominating the scenery, interspersed with small woodlands and hedgerows.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Le Fenouiller, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those that offer relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal environmental impact. The agricultural plains to the east and southeast of Le Fenouiller present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas typically feature open fields with few obstructions, allowing for optimal solar panel placement. The subtle slopes in these regions can actually be advantageous, as they can be oriented to maximize sun exposure throughout the day. Areas slightly inland from the coast, beyond the immediate vicinity of Le Fenouiller, might also be suitable. These locations would benefit from the region's generally sunny climate while avoiding potential conflicts with coastal conservation efforts and tourism-related land use. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully balance energy production goals with the preservation of agricultural land and local ecosystems. Ideal sites would be those that are less productive for agriculture or have already been designated for industrial or energy-related use. Additionally, areas near existing electrical infrastructure would be preferable to minimize the need for new transmission lines. While specific site selection would require detailed environmental and technical assessments, the general topography and land use patterns around Le Fenouiller suggest that there are viable options for large-scale solar PV development 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.