Solar PV Analysis of Orcet, France
The location at Orcet, France is reasonably good for generating energy via solar PV panels throughout the year. However, like most locations, the effectiveness of solar energy production varies by season.
In simple terms, a kW (kilowatt) is a measure of power and kWh (kilowatt-hour) is a measure of energy produced or consumed over time. So in this case we're looking at how much electricity you can expect to generate from each kilowatt's worth of solar panels installed.
During summer and spring, the output is quite high with 5.91kWh/day and 5.13kWh/day respectively per kilowatt of installed solar panels. This means that these are the best times of year to generate solar power in Orcet as there's more sunlight available.
Autumn sees a drop in production to 3.17kWh/day due to shorter days and less intense sunlight while winter has the lowest output at only 1.80kWh/day because it has the shortest days and least amount of sunlight.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting them towards south at an angle of 40 degrees will maximize total yearly production as it aligns them better with sun’s path across sky which changes slightly every day but follows same general pattern over course year.
As for environmental factors that might affect solar production; weather conditions such as cloud cover or fog can reduce amount sunlight reaching panels hence reducing their efficiency - though this depends on exact local climate which can vary even within short distances due different geographical features like hills or forests etc.. Also dust accumulation on surface panel could potentially decrease its performance but regular cleaning should prevent this issue.
To ensure greater energy production despite these potential impediments; using tracking systems that move panels so they always face directly towards sun could help increase efficiency especially during less sunny seasons like autumn/winter although they do add extra cost/complexity compared fixed installations – so it’s matter of weighing up pros and cons. Additionally, using high-quality panels that perform well under different light conditions can also help maintain good output levels regardless of weather.
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 Orcet
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.7044, Longitude: 3.1645 (Orcet, 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 40° South in Orcet, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Orcet, France (Lat/Long 45.7044, 3.1645) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Orcet, 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 Orcet, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30° South in Summer | 49° South in Autumn | 60° South in Winter | 38° 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 Orcet, 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 Orcet, 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 Orcet, France
Orcet, France is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France. The topography around Orcet is characterized by a mix of plains and hills, with some areas covered in forests. It's part of the Limagne plain which is surrounded by mountains including the Monts Dôme range.
For large scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping lands are usually preferred as they require less site preparation and can accommodate more panels. Therefore, considering the topography around Orcet, it would be most suitable to install large-scale solar PV systems on parts of the Limagne plain that are not used for agriculture or residential purposes.
However, factors like local climate (amount of sunlight), land use restrictions, proximity to power grids and potential environmental impacts should also be considered when deciding where to locate large-scale solar PV systems.
In terms of specific nearby areas suited for this purpose - without detailed local knowledge it's hard to specify exact locations but generally speaking unshaded open fields with good sun exposure throughout the year would be ideal candidates.
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 28th of April 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.
