The location of Rives, France, situated at 45.3582° N latitude and 5.4989° E longitude, presents a mixed scenario for year-round solar PV energy generation. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts its overall suitability for solar power installations.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy generation in Rives follows a predictable pattern throughout the year. Summer months offer the highest potential, with an average daily output of 6.20 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 5.31 kWh/day. However, there's a substantial drop in production during autumn (3.11 kWh/day) and winter (1.62 kWh/day).

The most favorable period for solar energy production in Rives spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. Conversely, the winter months present challenges due to shorter days and lower sun angles, resulting in significantly reduced energy output.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Rives, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Rives doesn't face extreme environmental challenges, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar production:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences cloudy conditions, particularly during winter months, which can reduce solar efficiency.
2. Snow: Occasional snowfall in winter might temporarily cover panels, reducing output.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings to minimize snow accumulation and ensure easier cleaning. Additionally, implementing a regular maintenance schedule to clear any snow or debris can help maintain optimal performance. While not a major concern, monitoring systems can alert owners to unexpected drops in production, allowing for prompt intervention when necessary.

In conclusion, while Rives offers good potential for solar energy production, especially during summer and spring, the significant seasonal variations necessitate careful planning and potentially supplementary energy sources during the less productive winter months.

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 447 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 Rives

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.3582, Longitude: 5.4989 (Rives, 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 Rives, France

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rives, France (Lat/Long 45.3582, 5.4989) 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 Rives, 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 Rives, 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 Rives, 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 Rives, France.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Rives, France

The topography around Rives, France, located at coordinates 45.3582°N and 5.4989°E, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines rolling hills, valleys, and flatter areas. This region is situated in the southeastern part of France, nestled between the foothills of the Alps to the east and the Rhône Valley to the west. The immediate surroundings of Rives feature gently undulating terrain, with elevations ranging from approximately 300 to 500 meters above sea level. The area is part of the Isère department, known for its varied topography that transitions from the Alpine region to the lower-lying plains. The nearby Fure River, a tributary of the Isère, has carved a valley through the landscape, creating some steeper slopes and more pronounced elevation changes in certain areas.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Rives, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would typically be those with relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from natural or man-made structures. The plains and plateaus to the west and southwest of Rives offer promising potential for solar PV development. These areas, extending towards the Rhône Valley, generally have more consistent elevations and fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. The relatively open landscape in this direction provides ample space for large arrays of solar panels. Additionally, some of the broader hilltops and south-facing slopes in the vicinity could be suitable for solar installations. While these locations might require more careful planning and potentially some terrain modification, they can offer excellent sun exposure throughout the day. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to balance energy production potential with environmental and agricultural considerations. The region around Rives includes valuable agricultural land and natural habitats, so careful site selection would be crucial to minimize impacts on these resources. Ultimately, detailed site surveys and environmental impact assessments would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the area surrounding Rives. These studies would take into account not only the topography but also factors such as grid connectivity, local land use regulations, and community perspectives.

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.