Solar PV Analysis of Nantes, France
In Nantes, Pays de la Loire, France, the average daily solar energy production per kilowatt of installed capacity varies significantly across different seasons. During summer, the city experiences its peak solar output with an average of 5.73 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity. This high yield can be attributed to longer daylight hours and optimal sun exposure.
In contrast, autumn sees a reduction in solar generation with an average yield of 3.13 kWh per day per kW due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight as temperatures begin to drop.
Winter months present the most challenging period for solar energy production in Nantes with an average yield dropping further to 1.47 kWh per day per kW. This is primarily due to considerably shorter days and lower sun angles which limit the amount of sunlight reaching the panels.
As spring arrives, there is a notable increase in solar energy production up to an average of 5.40 kWh per day per kW, thanks largely to longer days and higher sun angles that enhance irradiance levels on the panels.
For fixed panel installations at this location, it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 41 degrees facing south for optimal year-round performance.
However, it's important also consider local factors that could potentially impact solar power generation in Nantes such as frequent cloud cover or fog which can reduce sunlight exposure on panels thereby affecting their output efficiency. To mitigate these potential hindrances and ensure greater energy production regardless of weather conditions or seasonal changes, one could consider installing high-efficiency photovoltaic cells designed for low-light conditions or integrating a battery storage system into your installation so excess power generated during peak times can be stored for use during periods when production is lower.
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 120 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
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Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Nantes
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.2145, Longitude: -1.5512 (Nantes, 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 Nantes, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nantes, France (Lat/Long 47.2145, -1.5512) 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 Nantes, 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 Nantes, 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.
Topography for solar PV around Nantes, France
The topography around Nantes, France is generally flat, with some rolling hills in the area. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be on the flat plains and low hills surrounding Nantes. In particular, to the south of Nantes there are large open fields and agricultural land that could be used for solar PV installations. Additionally, some of the nearby lakes could also provide good sites for large-scale solar PV projects.
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.
