Solar PV Analysis of Valence, France
The location of Valence, France, situated at 44.9327°N, 4.8841°E, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.85kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.52kWh/day. However, there's a notable decline in production during autumn (3.39kWh/day) and a significant drop in winter (1.90kWh/day).
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of year-round solar reliance in Valence. While the location is excellent for solar generation during the warmer months, the winter months may require supplementary energy sources or energy storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Valence, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 39 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight across all seasons, balancing the high sun angles of summer with the lower angles of winter.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Valence's climate doesn't present any major impediments to solar production. However, there are a few factors to consider:
- Occasional fog and mist, particularly in autumn and winter, may slightly reduce solar efficiency.
- Snowfall, though infrequent, could temporarily cover panels in winter.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and use self-cleaning, hydrophobic panel coatings to reduce the impact of fog and mist. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, while Valence isn't ideal for year-round solar production due to significant seasonal variations, it still offers excellent potential, especially from spring through autumn. With proper installation techniques and consideration of local weather patterns, solar PV can be a valuable component of the energy mix in this French city.
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 Valence
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.9327, Longitude: 4.8841 (Valence, 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 Valence, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Valence, France (Lat/Long 44.9327, 4.8841) 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 Valence, 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 Valence, 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 | 37° 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 Valence, 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 Valence, 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 Valence, France
The area around Valence, France, located at latitude 44.9327 and longitude 4.8841, has a diverse and interesting topography. Valence itself sits on the eastern bank of the Rhône River, in a region known as the Rhône Valley. This valley is characterized by relatively flat terrain near the river, which gradually gives way to more elevated and varied landscapes as you move away from the water.
To the west of Valence, across the Rhône, the land begins to rise into the foothills of the Massif Central, a highland region in south-central France. These hills become progressively steeper and more rugged as you travel westward. To the east of Valence, the terrain becomes more mountainous as it transitions into the Vercors Massif, part of the French Prealps. This area features steep slopes, plateaus, and deep valleys.
The immediate vicinity of Valence is primarily composed of gently rolling hills and plateaus, interspersed with smaller rivers and streams that feed into the Rhône. The combination of the river valley and surrounding elevations creates a varied landscape that includes both flat areas and more pronounced relief.
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 simplify installation and maximize sun exposure
- Minimal shading from surrounding hills or mountains
- Good access to existing infrastructure, such as roads and electrical grids
- Areas with lower agricultural or ecological value to minimize land-use conflicts
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Valence would likely be found in the flatter portions of the Rhône Valley, particularly to the north and south of the city. These areas often feature expansive agricultural lands that could potentially be repurposed or shared with solar installations. The valley floor provides large, open spaces with good sun exposure and generally easy access to infrastructure.
However, it's important to note that any specific site selection would require detailed environmental and technical assessments, as well as consideration of local regulations and land-use policies. The hilly and mountainous regions to the east and west, while potentially offering some suitable sites on south-facing slopes, would generally be less ideal due to increased installation complexity and potential shading issues.
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: Wednesday 18th of September 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.
