Solar PV Analysis of Tarbes, France
Tarbes, Occitanie, France, situated at latitude 43.2313 and longitude 0.0838, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Tarbes shows a clear pattern of seasonal fluctuation. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.41 kWh per day. However, there's a substantial drop in production during autumn and winter, with outputs of 3.25 kWh and 1.97 kWh per day, respectively.
These figures indicate that Tarbes experiences optimal solar conditions during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. Conversely, the shorter days and lower sun angles of late autumn and winter result in significantly reduced output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Tarbes, Occitanie, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position.
Environmental Considerations
While Tarbes generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The region can experience cloudy periods, particularly in winter, which may reduce solar efficiency.
- Fog: Morning fog, common in some seasons, could delay the start of peak production hours.
To mitigate these issues, consider using high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Additionally, implementing a robust cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal panel performance by removing any dust or debris that might accumulate, especially during drier periods.
In conclusion, while Tarbes isn't an ideal location for year-round solar production due to significant seasonal variations, it still offers considerable potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper installation and maintenance, a solar PV system in this location can provide substantial energy output, particularly from spring through autumn.
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 Tarbes
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.2313, Longitude: 0.0838 (Tarbes, 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 37° South in Tarbes, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tarbes, France (Lat/Long 43.2313, 0.0838) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Tarbes, 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 Tarbes, France. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° 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 Tarbes, 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 Tarbes, 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 Tarbes, France
The area around Tarbes, France, is characterized by diverse topography that offers a mix of landscapes. Tarbes itself is situated in the Adour River valley, which provides a relatively flat and open terrain. This valley is part of a larger region known as the Aquitaine Basin, which extends across much of southwestern France.
To the south of Tarbes, the landscape becomes more dramatic as it transitions into the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. These mountains form a natural border between France and Spain, with peaks rising to impressive heights. The terrain in this direction becomes increasingly hilly and mountainous, with steep slopes and valleys carved by glaciers and rivers over millions of years.
To the north and east of Tarbes, the land gradually rises into a series of rolling hills and plateaus. This area, known as the Armagnac region, is characterized by gentle slopes and undulating countryside. It's a transitional zone between the flat plains of the Adour valley and the more rugged terrain of the Massif Central further to the northeast.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping terrain to minimize installation costs and maximize sun exposure
- Open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Good access to existing electrical infrastructure for easy grid connection
- Areas with lower agricultural or ecological value to minimize land-use conflicts
Based on these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Tarbes would likely be found in the Adour River valley and the surrounding plains. These areas offer expansive, relatively flat landscapes that receive ample sunlight throughout the year. Specific locations might include:
- Former industrial sites or brownfields in and around Tarbes
- Open agricultural lands in the valley, particularly those with poorer soil quality
- Gently sloping hillsides to the north and east of the city, where they don't interfere with prime agricultural land
It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would require careful planning and environmental impact assessments to ensure it aligns with local land-use policies and conservation efforts. The beautiful landscapes around Tarbes, particularly towards the Pyrenees, are valuable natural and tourist resources, so solar developments would need to be sensitively placed to minimize visual impacts on these areas.
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: 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.
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.
