Bolligen, Bern, Switzerland, located at 46.9887° N, 7.4957° E, 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 solar PV systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Bolligen varies considerably across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.00 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.89 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.09 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.58 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Bolligen's location is most ideal for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bolligen, Bern, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Bolligen:

1. Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
2. Fog and low cloud cover, common in the region, may decrease solar irradiance.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels can help maximize light absorption even in less-than-ideal conditions.

While Bolligen's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential during the warmer months. With proper installation techniques and panel positioning, residents can effectively harness solar energy to supplement their power needs, especially 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 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 Bolligen

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.9887, Longitude: 7.4957 (Bolligen, 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 Bolligen, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bolligen, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.9887, 7.4957) 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 Bolligen, 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 Bolligen, 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
31° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	61° 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 Bolligen, 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 Bolligen, 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 Bolligen, Switzerland

The topography around Bolligen, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines gentle hills, rolling meadows, and forested areas. Situated in the Swiss Plateau region, Bolligen lies just east of the capital city of Bern, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by low-lying mountains. The terrain in and around Bolligen is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from approximately 500 to 700 meters above sea level. The area features a mix of open farmland, scattered woodlands, and small streams that wind through the countryside. To the south and east, the land gradually rises towards the foothills of the Alps, while to the north and west, it remains relatively flat, typical of the Swiss Plateau.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be those with ample sunlight exposure, minimal shading, and relatively flat or gently sloping terrain. The open agricultural lands to the north and west of Bolligen present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas typically have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, and the relatively flat terrain would simplify installation and maintenance processes. Additionally, the slightly elevated positions of some fields could potentially increase sun exposure throughout the day. Another potential area for solar PV installations could be the south-facing slopes of the gentle hills surrounding Bolligen. These locations might benefit from increased sun exposure due to their orientation, although care would need to be taken to avoid areas with dense forest cover or steep inclines. It's important to note that while the topography around Bolligen offers some suitable areas for solar PV, any large-scale installation would need to carefully balance energy production goals with environmental and agricultural considerations. The region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage are significant factors that would likely influence the feasibility and public acceptance of such projects.

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.