Solar PV Analysis of Saint-Jean, France
Saint-Jean, Occitanie, France, located at latitude 43.6679 and longitude 1.4972, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, with peak performance during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy output at Saint-Jean varies significantly across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.30 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.35 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.24 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.99 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply during less productive months. Despite the winter lull, the location's overall yearly performance is relatively good, making solar PV a viable option for Saint-Jean residents.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Saint-Jean, Occitanie, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Saint-Jean's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Occasional hailstorms: These can potentially damage solar panels if severe.
- Autumn fog: May slightly reduce solar efficiency during morning hours.
To mitigate these risks, consider installing hail-resistant panels and ensuring proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help optimize performance, especially during autumn when fog may leave residue on the panels.
In conclusion, Saint-Jean provides a good location for solar PV installations, with strong performance during spring and summer months. While winter output is lower, the overall yearly production makes solar energy a worthwhile investment for this French locale.
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-Jean
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.6679, Longitude: 1.4972 (Saint-Jean, 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 38° South in Saint-Jean, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Saint-Jean, France (Lat/Long 43.6679, 1.4972) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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-Jean, 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-Jean, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 36° 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-Jean, 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-Jean, 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-Jean, France
The area around Saint-Jean, France, which is located near Toulouse in the southwestern part of the country, has a varied topography. The city itself sits in the Garonne River valley, a relatively flat and low-lying area. This valley is part of a larger region known as the Aquitaine Basin, characterized by gentle rolling hills and plains.
To the south and southeast of Saint-Jean, the terrain gradually becomes more hilly as it approaches the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. These hills, known as the Lauragais, create a picturesque landscape of undulating farmland and scattered woodlands. To the north and west, the land remains mostly flat, with occasional gentle slopes and plateaus.
The climate in this region is generally mild and sunny, with warm summers and relatively mild winters. This combination of topography and climate makes the area around Saint-Jean potentially suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations.
Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV projects near Saint-Jean, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would likely be:
- Flat agricultural lands: The expansive farmlands in the Garonne valley, particularly to the north and west of Saint-Jean, offer large, open spaces with minimal shading. These areas receive ample sunlight and have the advantage of being relatively easy to develop for solar installations.
- Gently sloping hillsides: The rolling hills of the Lauragais region to the southeast could be suitable, especially south-facing slopes. These areas may receive more direct sunlight throughout the day and potentially benefit from cooler temperatures due to increased elevation.
- Abandoned industrial sites or brownfields: If any exist in the vicinity, these could be repurposed for solar farms, making efficient use of otherwise unproductive land.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, care should be taken to balance solar development with the preservation of agricultural land and the region's natural beauty.
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: Tuesday 6th of August 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.
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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.
