Solar PV Analysis of Rive-de-Gier, France
Situated at a latitude of 45.5248 and longitude of 4.6219, Rive-de-Gier in France is a favorable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, given the substantial seasonal variations in solar energy production. The summer season offers the highest average yield with 6.24 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, largely due to extended daylight hours and more intense sunlight exposure.
During autumn, the average output decreases to about 3.17 kWh/day/kW primarily because of reduced daylight hours and less intense sunlight compared to summer months.
Winter sees the lowest output with an average yield dropping further down to approximately 1.68 kWh/day/kW, due to shorter days and lower sun intensity often accompanied by overcast skies.
However, spring witnesses a significant rebound in solar power generation with an average yield bouncing back up to around 5.37 kWh/day/kW as daylight hours increase and sun intensity improves.
In terms of installation specifics for this location, it's recommended that panels are fixed at an angle tilted towards 39 degrees south for optimal year-round energy capture from available sunlight.
While Rive-de-Gier provides ample opportunities for harnessing solar power throughout the year, there are certain environmental factors which could potentially impede optimal power generation from PV installations here - significant among these being heavy cloud cover or strong winds that may reduce incident sunlight on panels leading to decreased power outputs.
To mitigate such circumstances as much as possible during installation phase itself, one could consider installing PV arrays at elevated positions where they're less likely subjected to shadowing effects from surrounding structures or vegetation; also ensuring robust panel mounting systems capable of resisting strong wind loads can help maintain their correct orientation towards incident sunlight thereby ensuring greater energy production overall from these installations.
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 Rive-de-Gier
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.5248, Longitude: 4.6219 (Rive-de-Gier, 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 39° South in Rive-de-Gier, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rive-de-Gier, France (Lat/Long 45.5248, 4.6219) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Rive-de-Gier, 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 Rive-de-Gier, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29° South in Summer | 49° South in Autumn | 59° 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 Rive-de-Gier, 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 Rive-de-Gier, 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 Rive-de-Gier, France
The topography around Rive-de-Gier, France is generally flat with some rolling hills. The nearby areas that would be most suited to large scale solar PV are the flat fields and open plains in the area, as they provide a wide area of unobstructed sunlight for maximum efficiency. Additionally, any rooftops or other hard surfaces in the area could also be suitable locations for solar PV installations.
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: Thursday 20th of July 2023
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.
