Solar PV Analysis of Mennecy, France
Mennecy, France, located at 48.5669° N, 2.4488° E, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Mennecy peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.56 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 4.97 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 2.89 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 1.34 kWh/day.
The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Mennecy are from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency and output.
Optimal Panel Tilt
For fixed panel installations in Mennecy, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 42 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the changing solar elevation angles across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Mennecy doesn't face extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences cloudy conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can reduce solar output.
- Snow: Occasional winter snowfall may temporarily cover panels, impeding production.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at the optimal tilt angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, use high-quality, weather-resistant panels and implement a regular cleaning schedule to maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, while Mennecy's location is not ideal for year-round solar production due to significant seasonal variations, it still offers good potential, especially during spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV can be a viable renewable energy option in this area.
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 Mennecy
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.5669, Longitude: 2.4488 (Mennecy, 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 42° South in Mennecy, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mennecy, France (Lat/Long 48.5669, 2.4488) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Mennecy, 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 Mennecy, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32° South in Summer | 52° South in Autumn | 62° South in Winter | 41° 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 Mennecy, 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 Mennecy, 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 Mennecy, France
The area around Mennecy, France, is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape typical of the Île-de-France region. Mennecy itself is situated in the Essonne valley, with the Essonne River flowing through the town. The surrounding terrain is predominantly composed of low-lying plains and plateaus, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys.
To the north and east of Mennecy, the land gradually rises towards the Brie plateau, while to the south and west, the landscape becomes slightly more undulating as it transitions into the Gâtinais region. The area is a mix of urban development, agricultural land, and scattered woodlands, with elevations generally ranging from about 40 to 90 meters above sea level.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play:
- Open, flat areas with minimal shading are ideal for solar farms. The agricultural plains to the south and southeast of Mennecy could potentially be suitable, as they offer expansive, unobstructed spaces.
- Slightly elevated areas on the gentle slopes of the surrounding plateaus might also be advantageous, as they could receive more consistent sunlight throughout the day.
- Areas with good road access for construction and maintenance would be preferable. The region around Mennecy has a well-developed road network, which is beneficial for solar farm development.
However, it's important to note that the Île-de-France region is densely populated and has significant agricultural activity. Any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider land use regulations, environmental impact, and potential conflicts with existing agricultural or residential areas. Additionally, the region's climate, with its moderate sunlight levels compared to southern France, may impact the overall efficiency and economic viability of large-scale solar installations.
Ultimately, detailed site surveys and environmental impact assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations for solar PV projects in the vicinity of Mennecy, balancing energy production potential with land use considerations and local regulations.
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: Saturday 12th of October 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.
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.
