Solar PV Analysis of Lure, France
The location of Lure, France, situated at latitude 47.6822 and longitude 6.5098, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar PV energy generation. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Lure varies considerably throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.74 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.89 kWh/day. However, the performance drops significantly during autumn, with 3.02 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing only 1.45 kWh/day.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The ideal period for solar energy production in Lure spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The summer solstice, occurring around June 21st, marks the peak of solar potential in this region.
Panel Tilt Optimization
To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 41 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, compensating for the sun's changing position throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Lure's location in northeastern France means it experiences a continental climate with potential challenges for solar production. Significant factors include:
- Cloud cover: The region can experience frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, reducing solar irradiance.
- Snow: Winter snowfall may temporarily cover panels, impeding energy production.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with a steeper tilt to facilitate snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and panel cleaning, can help maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, while Lure's location is not ideal for year-round solar production due to significant seasonal variations, proper system design and maintenance can still yield satisfactory results, especially during the more productive 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 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 Lure
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.6822, Longitude: 6.5098 (Lure, 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 41° South in Lure, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lure, France (Lat/Long 47.6822, 6.5098) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Lure, 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 Lure, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° 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 | 51° South in Autumn | 61° South in Winter | 40° 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 Lure, 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 Lure, France.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Lure, France
The area around Lure, France, located at latitude 47.6822 and longitude 6.5098, features a diverse topography characteristic of the eastern French countryside. This region is situated in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, which influences its landscape significantly.
The terrain surrounding Lure is generally characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys. To the west and southwest of the town, the land is relatively flat with subtle undulations, gradually giving way to more pronounced hills as you move eastward. The eastern part of the region sees an increase in elevation as it approaches the Vosges Mountains, with steeper slopes and more rugged terrain.
Several small rivers and streams crisscross the area, including the Ognon River, which flows to the south of Lure. These waterways have carved shallow valleys into the landscape over time, creating a patchwork of fields, meadows, and forested areas. The region also features numerous small lakes and ponds, adding to its scenic beauty.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flatter terrain to the west and southwest of Lure presents the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- The relatively level ground reduces the need for extensive land preparation and makes installation easier and more cost-effective.
- There are fewer natural obstacles like steep hills or dense forests that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing sun exposure throughout the day.
- The open landscapes in these directions provide ample space for large arrays of solar panels without significant topographical constraints.
However, it's important to note that while the flatter areas west and southwest of Lure are generally more suitable for large-scale solar PV, specific site selection would require detailed assessments of factors such as local zoning regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental impact studies. Additionally, some of the gentler slopes in other directions could also be considered if they receive favorable sun exposure and meet other necessary criteria for solar farm development.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 26th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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