Solar PV Analysis of Montereau-Fault-Yonne, France
The location at Montereau-Fault-Yonne, France is in the Northern Temperate Zone and it's a decent spot for generating energy using solar panels throughout the year. The amount of electricity produced by every kilowatt of installed solar power changes with the seasons.
During summer, you can expect to generate about 5.56 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This makes summer an ideal time for solar energy production due to longer daylight hours and direct sunlight.
In autumn, this drops down to around 2.89 kWh/day per kW which is less than half compared to summer but still reasonable. In winter, however, this further drops down significantly to only about 1.34 kWh/day per kW due mostly to shorter days and less intense sunlight.
Spring picks up again with an output of around 4.97 kWh/day per kW making it another good time for generating solar energy after winter.
To get the most out of your solar panels all year round at this location, they should ideally be tilted at an angle facing 41 degrees South as this will maximize their exposure to the sun throughout different times in a year.
There may be local environmental or weather factors that could affect how much electricity your panels can produce such as heavy snowfall during winter months which can cover your panels reducing their efficiency or even damaging them if not cleared off regularly; cloudy or foggy conditions that limit sunlight exposure; trees or buildings casting shadows on your panels; and dust or bird droppings accumulating on them over time affecting their ability to absorb sunlight effectively.
Preventive measures that you can take include regular cleaning especially after storms or during dry dusty periods; trimming nearby trees if possible so they don't cast shadows on your panels especially when the sun is low in the sky during morning and late afternoon hours; installing snow guards above your system if heavy snowfall is common in your area to prevent snow from piling up on your panels; and considering a tracking system that adjusts the angle of your panels throughout the day following the sun's path for maximum exposure if resources allow.
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 Montereau-Fault-Yonne
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.3815, Longitude: 2.9555 (Montereau-Fault-Yonne, 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 Montereau-Fault-Yonne, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Montereau-Fault-Yonne, France (Lat/Long 48.3815, 2.9555) 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 Montereau-Fault-Yonne, 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 Montereau-Fault-Yonne, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32° South in Summer | 51° 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 Montereau-Fault-Yonne, 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 Montereau-Fault-Yonne, 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 Montereau-Fault-Yonne, France
Montereau-Fault-Yonne is located in the Île-de-France region of north-central France. The topography around this area is relatively flat with gently rolling hills, making it suitable for agriculture and potentially for solar PV installations. The Seine and Yonne rivers converge at Montereau, providing a water source but also potential flood risks.
The areas most suited to large-scale solar PV would be those with ample sunlight exposure, flat or gently sloping terrain, and minimal shading from trees or buildings. In the vicinity of Montereau-Fault-Yonne, open agricultural lands could be potential sites for solar farms if they are not required for food production.
However, any plan to install large-scale solar PV must consider local regulations and environmental impacts. For example, it's important to avoid sensitive habitats such as wetlands or forests that may be home to protected species.
Moreover, proximity to existing power infrastructure like substations can reduce connection costs significantly. Therefore these factors should also influence the selection of suitable locations for large-scale solar installations.
In terms of specific nearby locations that might be suitable based on these criteria: areas south-east towards Sens along the Yonne river valley could provide good options as they are relatively flat with extensive agricultural land use; similarly regions north-west towards Melun could also offer possibilities thanks again their mix of open farmland and access to infrastructure.
Ultimately though detailed site surveys would need to be conducted before finalizing any location decisions.
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: Sunday 19th of May 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.
