Solar PV Analysis of Verfeil, France
Verfeil, Occitanie, France, situated at latitude 43.6538° N and longitude 1.6643° E, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which significantly impact the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Verfeil varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.30 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.35 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.24 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 1.99 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Verfeil is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months. The long, sunny days of summer and spring provide optimal conditions for PV systems to operate at peak efficiency. However, the substantial drop in output during autumn and winter highlights the challenges of maintaining consistent energy production year-round in this location.
Optimizing Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Verfeil, Occitanie, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to balance the varying solar elevations throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Verfeil generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Occasional hailstorms in spring and summer could potentially damage solar panels. Installing hail-resistant panels or protective covers can mitigate this risk.
- Autumn leaf fall may reduce panel efficiency if trees are nearby. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help address this issue.
Despite these minor challenges, Verfeil remains a promising location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and maintenance, the site can effectively harness solar energy, particularly during the productive spring and summer months, contributing significantly to renewable energy generation in the region.
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 Verfeil
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.6538, Longitude: 1.6643 (Verfeil, 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 Verfeil, France
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Verfeil, France (Lat/Long 43.6538, 1.6643) 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 Verfeil, 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 Verfeil, 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 Verfeil, 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 Verfeil, 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 Verfeil, France
The area around Verfeil, France, located at coordinates 43.6538°N, 1.6643°E, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of the Midi-Pyrénées region. This part of southwestern France features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and open plateaus. The terrain is generally mild, with gradual elevation changes rather than steep or dramatic slopes.
The countryside surrounding Verfeil is predominantly rural, with a patchwork of agricultural fields, meadows, and scattered woodlands. Small streams and rivers wind through the area, contributing to the gentle undulations in the landscape. The elevation in this region typically ranges from about 150 to 300 meters above sea level, providing a varied but not extreme topography.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the gently sloping hillsides and open plateaus in the vicinity of Verfeil offer promising potential. Ideal locations for solar farms would be south-facing slopes or flat areas with minimal shading from trees or other obstructions. The rural nature of the region means there are likely to be expansive open spaces that could accommodate large solar arrays without significant conflicts with urban development or protected natural areas.
Specifically, the areas to the east and southeast of Verfeil might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These locations tend to have slightly higher elevations and more open terrain, which could provide optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, the agricultural land in the region, if suitable for dual-use purposes, could potentially host solar installations while maintaining some level of crop production or grazing beneath the panels.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, any large-scale solar project would require detailed site-specific assessments. Factors such as local zoning regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental impact studies would all play crucial roles in determining the most appropriate locations for solar PV development in the area around Verfeil.
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: Monday 7th of October 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.
