Solar PV Analysis of Saint-Etienne, France
Situated within the Northern Temperate Zone, Saint-Etienne, France (latitude 45.4346 and longitude 4.3958) presents a conducive environment for harnessing solar photovoltaic (PV) energy throughout the year. The seasonal variation in the average kilowatt-hours (kWh) produced per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity is as follows: Summer yields 6.24 kWh/day; Autumn delivers an average of 3.17 kWh/day; Winter sees a dip to 1.68 kWh/day; while Spring bounces back with an average of 5.37 kWh/day.
The relatively high energy yield during summer can be attributed to longer daylight hours due to Saint-Etienne's geographical position relative to the sun's annual path across the sky. In contrast, shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight during autumn and winter result in lower power generation.
Despite being located in a temperate zone with generally moderate temperatures that are ideal for solar PV performance, it is important to note that local weather conditions such as cloud cover and precipitation could potentially affect power generation efficiency - these conditions are typically more prevalent during autumn and winter seasons.
To optimize energy production at this location, it would be beneficial to install fixed panels at an angle of approximately 39 degrees facing southwards - this tilt angle aligns well with the sun’s trajectory over Saint-Etienne across different seasons ensuring maximum exposure throughout the year.
While there are no major topographical or environmental impediments specific to this location that could significantly hamper solar production, it may be prudent when installing panels here - or indeed anywhere -to ensure they are positioned away from potential sources of shade such as large trees or buildings which could obstruct sunlight reaching them directly.
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 Saint-Etienne
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.4346, Longitude: 4.3958 (Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Saint-Etienne, France (Lat/Long 45.4346, 4.3958) 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 Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne, France
The topography around Saint-Etienne, France is mostly flat with rolling hills and some low mountains in the distance. The area would be well suited for large scale solar PV installations due to its flat terrain and high levels of sunshine throughout the year. Areas near the city center or on open plains outside of town would be ideal locations for such 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 12th of November 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.
