Solar PV Analysis of Nemours, France
Nemours, France, situated at 48.2757°N, 2.6936°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy output in Nemours fluctuates considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with panels generating an impressive 5.56 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 4.97 kWh/day/kW. In contrast, autumn sees a marked decrease to 2.89 kWh/day/kW, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.34 kWh/day/kW.
These figures highlight that the location is most ideal for solar energy generation during the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer. However, the substantial drop in production during autumn and winter months suggests that alternative or supplementary energy sources may be necessary to maintain consistent power supply year-round.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Nemours, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 41 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Nemours doesn't face extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The region can experience significant cloud cover, particularly during autumn and winter, which may reduce solar efficiency.
- Snow: Winter snowfall, though not typically heavy, can temporarily reduce panel output if allowed to accumulate.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings to reduce snow adherence and implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Additionally, using micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maintain efficiency even when some panels are partially shaded or covered.
In conclusion, while Nemours is not an ideal location for year-round solar energy production due to its significant seasonal variations, it still offers good potential during spring and summer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV can be a valuable component of a diversified energy strategy 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 Nemours
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.2757, Longitude: 2.6936 (Nemours, 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 Nemours, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nemours, France (Lat/Long 48.2757, 2.6936) 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 Nemours, 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 Nemours, 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 Nemours, 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 Nemours, 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 Nemours, France
The area around Nemours, France, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the Île-de-France region. Nemours itself is situated in a valley along the Loing River, which has played a significant role in shaping the local topography over time.
The immediate surroundings of Nemours feature gently rolling hills and plateaus, with elevations generally ranging from about 60 to 150 meters above sea level. The town is nestled between two forested areas: the Forest of Fontainebleau to the north and the Forest of Nanteau to the south. These forests contribute to the area's natural beauty and provide a stark contrast to the more open agricultural lands found in the region.
To the east and west of Nemours, the landscape opens up into a mix of farmland and small patches of woodland. The terrain in these areas is relatively flat to gently undulating, making it more suitable for agriculture. Small streams and tributaries of the Loing River crisscross the countryside, creating a network of narrow valleys and subtle changes in elevation.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the open agricultural lands to the east and west of Nemours present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- Relatively flat terrain, which simplifies installation and reduces costs associated with land preparation.
- Fewer obstacles like tall trees or buildings that could cast shadows on solar panels.
- Existing road infrastructure for easy access during construction and maintenance.
- Lower population density, reducing potential conflicts with residential areas.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to balance energy production goals with preserving the region's agricultural heritage and natural beauty. Careful site selection and environmental impact assessments would be necessary to ensure that solar installations do not negatively affect the local ecosystem or prime farmland.
Additionally, areas on the outskirts of smaller towns and villages in the region might also be considered for solar PV installations, particularly on land that is less suitable for agriculture or other uses. These locations could potentially benefit from proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, making it easier to connect new solar installations to the grid.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 11th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
