Lons, France, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar PV energy generation. The location's latitude and longitude (43.3157, -0.4016) contribute to varying levels of solar potential across the seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Lons shows significant fluctuations throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.93 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.31 kWh/day. However, there's a notable drop in output during autumn (3.22 kWh/day) and a substantial decrease in winter (1.89 kWh/day).

The considerable difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy potential in this region. The longer, sunnier days of summer and spring make these seasons ideal for solar energy generation in Lons.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Lons, fixed panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Lons generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences a temperate climate with occasional cloudy or rainy days, which can temporarily reduce solar output. Additionally, the area's proximity to the Pyrenees mountains may lead to some shading effects, particularly during winter months when the sun is lower in the sky.

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be taken during solar installation:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to prevent dust or debris accumulation on panels
• Consider micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Conduct a thorough site assessment to identify and avoid potential shading obstacles

By addressing these factors, solar installations in Lons can maximize their energy production potential, making the most of the location's generally favorable solar conditions.

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 Lons

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.3157, Longitude: -0.4016 (Lons, 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 Lons, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lons, France (Lat/Long 43.3157, -0.4016) 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 Lons, 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 Lons, 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	47° 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 Lons, 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 Lons, 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 Lons, France

The area surrounding Lons, France, located at coordinates 43.3157°N, 0.4016°W, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Situated in the southwestern part of the country, Lons is nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, which dominate the landscape to the south. The terrain in and around Lons is a mix of gently rolling hills, shallow valleys, and flat plains. To the north and east of Lons, the land gradually flattens out into the expansive Aquitaine Basin. This area features a combination of agricultural fields, meadows, and scattered woodlands. The Gave de Pau river flows nearby, carving a path through the landscape and creating fertile alluvial plains along its banks.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Lons, several factors come into play. The most promising areas would be those with relatively flat terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal environmental or agricultural impact. The plains to the north and northeast of Lons offer the most potential for solar PV development. These areas benefit from their flat topography, which simplifies construction and maximizes sun exposure throughout the day. Additionally, these regions are less likely to be shadowed by the Pyrenees Mountains, ensuring consistent sunlight. Agricultural lands in the Aquitaine Basin, particularly those with lower crop yields or less fertile soil, could be considered for solar farm development. However, it's crucial to balance energy production with food security and local agricultural needs. Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the east and southeast of Lons might also be suitable for solar installations. These areas could potentially capture more sunlight due to their slight tilt towards the south, although careful site selection would be necessary to avoid areas with significant shading from nearby hills or mountains. It's important to note that while the topography around Lons offers some promising locations for solar PV, any large-scale development would need to consider additional factors such as grid connectivity, local zoning regulations, and environmental impact assessments. The region's natural beauty and proximity to the Pyrenees also mean that visual impact would be an important consideration in any solar project planning.

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.