Blonay, Vaud, Switzerland, situated at latitude 46.4714 and longitude 6.926, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy potential.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy generation in Blonay follows a predictable pattern aligned with the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.00 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 4.89 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.09 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.58 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial variation between seasons, with summer producing nearly four times the energy of winter. This disparity underscores the importance of efficient energy storage and management systems to balance the fluctuating supply throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Blonay, Vaud, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 40-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Blonay's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region's mountainous terrain can potentially cast shadows on solar installations, particularly during winter when the sun's path is lower in the sky. Additionally, the area experiences occasional fog and cloud cover, which can temporarily reduce solar output.

To mitigate these challenges, careful site selection is crucial. Installers should conduct thorough shade analysis and choose elevated locations when possible to minimize shadowing effects. Using high-efficiency panels and incorporating micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maintain performance even under partial shading conditions.

Snow accumulation during winter months is another factor to consider. While infrequent, heavy snowfall can temporarily cover panels and reduce output. Installing panels at the recommended 40-degree tilt helps facilitate snow sliding off the panels. Some installations may benefit from snow guards or manual snow removal systems to ensure consistent winter performance.

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and installation techniques, Blonay remains a viable location for solar energy production, particularly during the spring and summer months when output is at its peak.

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 245 locations across Switzerland. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Switzerland by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Blonay

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.4714, Longitude: 6.926 (Blonay, Switzerland), 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 40° South in Blonay, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Blonay, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.4714, 6.926) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Blonay, Switzerland

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 Blonay, Switzerland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
30° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	60° South in Winter	39° 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 Blonay, Switzerland

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 Blonay, Switzerland.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Blonay, Switzerland

The topography around Blonay, Switzerland, is characterized by its picturesque Alpine setting. Situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Geneva, Blonay is nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. The terrain is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with steep slopes and valleys typical of the region. Blonay itself sits on a gentle incline, offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. As you move away from the lake, the elevation increases rapidly, with the landscape becoming more rugged and dramatic. The area features a mix of lush green meadows, dense forests, and rocky outcrops. To the north and east of Blonay, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous, with peaks rising to altitudes of over 1,500 meters. The famous Les Pléiades mountain range dominates the skyline in this direction, offering popular hiking and skiing destinations.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

While the mountainous terrain around Blonay presents challenges for large-scale solar PV installations, there are some areas that could be suitable: The gently sloping areas near the lakeshore, south of Blonay, might offer potential sites for solar farms. These locations benefit from good sun exposure and relatively flat terrain, making installation and maintenance easier. Some of the higher altitude meadows and plateaus in the nearby mountains could also be considered for solar installations. These areas often receive more direct sunlight and have fewer obstructions, potentially increasing energy generation efficiency. However, it's important to note that the region's natural beauty and protected status of many areas might limit the feasibility of large-scale solar projects. Any development would need to carefully balance energy needs with environmental and aesthetic considerations. Additionally, the variable weather conditions typical of mountainous regions, including potential snow cover in winter, would need to be factored into any solar PV planning. Despite these challenges, smaller-scale installations on existing buildings and infrastructure in Blonay and surrounding towns could be a more practical approach to harnessing solar energy in this scenic Alpine region.

Switzerland solar PV Stats as a country

Switzerland ranks 25th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 3,449 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 4.70% of Switzerland's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 16th in the world). Each year Switzerland is generating 399 Watts from solar PV per capita (Switzerland ranks 6th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Switzerland?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) offers a range of financial support measures for businesses that want to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include grants, loans and tax deductions. Additionally, the Swiss government has set up a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power. This helps to make investing in solar energy more attractive for businesses.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Switzerland? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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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.