Solar Energy Potential in Longuenesse, France

The location of Longuenesse, France, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This assessment is based on the expected electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity across different seasons.

Seasonal Variations

Solar energy production in Longuenesse experiences significant fluctuations across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.40 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 4.98 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in production during autumn and winter, with outputs of 2.55 kWh/day and 1.19 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable months for solar energy production in Longuenesse are from late spring through early autumn. This period, roughly from May to September, offers longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies, maximizing the potential for solar energy capture.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed panel installations in Longuenesse, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 43 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring optimal exposure throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Longuenesse:

1. Cloud Cover: The region experiences frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar energy capture.
2. Rainfall: Longuenesse has a relatively wet climate, with precipitation occurring throughout the year, potentially affecting panel efficiency.
3. Short Winter Days: Being in the Northern Temperate Zone, the area experiences short days during winter, limiting solar exposure.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions.
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat the effects of rainfall and potential debris accumulation.
• Consider incorporating solar tracking systems to maximize exposure during shorter winter days.
• Ensure proper spacing between panels to minimize shading effects, especially during low sun angles in winter.

While Longuenesse may not offer ideal year-round conditions for solar energy production, strategic installation and maintenance practices can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this location.

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 Longuenesse

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.7367, Longitude: 2.2383 (Longuenesse, 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 43° South in Longuenesse, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Longuenesse, France (Lat/Long 50.7367, 2.2383) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Longuenesse, 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 Longuenesse, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
34° South in Summer	53° South in Autumn	64° South in Winter	43° 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 Longuenesse, 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 Longuenesse, 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 Longuenesse, France

The area around Longuenesse, France, is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape typical of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. This part of northern France is known for its low-lying plains and subtle hills, with elevations generally ranging from about 20 to 100 meters above sea level. The town of Longuenesse itself sits at an elevation of approximately 40 meters.

The surrounding countryside is primarily composed of agricultural land, interspersed with small patches of woodland and scattered settlements. The nearby River Aa flows through the area, creating shallow valleys and occasional floodplains. To the west, the terrain gradually rises towards the Boulonnais hills, while to the east, it remains predominantly flat as it extends towards the Belgian border.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on the topography of the region around Longuenesse, there are potentially suitable areas for such projects.

The agricultural plains to the east and southeast of Longuenesse could be promising locations for solar PV installations. These areas tend to be flatter and more open, with fewer obstructions that might cast shadows on solar panels. However, it's important to note that the use of productive farmland for solar energy production can be a contentious issue and would require careful consideration of local agricultural needs and policies.

Another potential area for solar development could be on the slightly elevated ground to the south and southwest of Longuenesse. These locations might offer a good balance between favorable topography and reduced impact on prime agricultural land. Additionally, any unused or degraded industrial sites in the vicinity could be repurposed for solar farms, aligning with sustainable land use practices.

It's worth noting that while the topography in this region is generally suitable for solar PV, the climate of northern France, with its relatively high number of overcast days, may present challenges for solar energy production. Therefore, any large-scale solar project in this area would need to carefully assess both the topographical and meteorological conditions to ensure optimal efficiency and economic viability.

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.