Bulle, Fribourg, Switzerland, situated at coordinates 46.6015, 7.0204, presents a mixed outlook for solar PV 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 installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.00 kWh per day generated for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.89 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.09 kWh/day, while winter experiences a substantial drop to just 1.58 kWh/day per kW installed.

These figures indicate that solar energy production in Bulle is highly seasonal. The long, sunny days of summer provide ideal conditions for solar generation, making it the prime time for energy harvesting. Spring and autumn offer moderate potential, while winter presents significant challenges due to shorter days and potentially overcast skies.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bulle, Fribourg, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather factors could potentially impact solar production in Bulle:

1. Snow accumulation in winter, which can cover panels and reduce efficiency
2. Fog and low cloud cover, particularly common in autumn and winter

To mitigate these issues, several preventative measures can be taken during solar installation:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off
• Use snow-shedding coatings on panels
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall
• Consider bifacial panels to capture reflected light from snow

While Bulle's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize energy output, particularly during the more favorable seasons of summer and spring.

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 Bulle

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.6015, Longitude: 7.0204 (Bulle, 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 Bulle, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bulle, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.6015, 7.0204) 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 Bulle, 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 Bulle, 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 Bulle, 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 Bulle, 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 Bulle, Switzerland

The area surrounding Bulle, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the Swiss Pre-Alps region. Situated in the canton of Fribourg, Bulle is nestled in a valley known as La Gruyère, which is flanked by rolling hills and mountains. To the east of Bulle, the landscape gradually rises towards the Fribourg Pre-Alps, with notable peaks such as Moléson and Dent de Lys dominating the skyline. These mountains, while not as towering as the main Alpine range, still reach impressive heights and contribute to the area's stunning scenery. The western side of Bulle is comparatively flatter, with gentle slopes and plateaus that stretch towards Lake Geneva. The immediate vicinity of Bulle features a mix of pastoral lands, forests, and small settlements. The Sarine River flows near the town, carving its way through the landscape and adding to the region's natural beauty. This varied topography creates a patchwork of different environments, from lush meadows to dense woodlands.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Bulle for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors must be taken into account. The ideal locations would combine ample sunlight exposure, suitable terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The flatter areas to the west of Bulle present the most promising opportunities for solar PV development. These regions offer larger, open spaces with fewer obstructions to sunlight. The gently sloping terrain in this direction could provide optimal angles for solar panel placement, maximizing energy capture throughout the day. Some of the elevated plateaus in the region might also be suitable for solar installations. These areas often receive more direct sunlight and experience less shadowing from surrounding landscape features. However, careful consideration would need to be given to the visual impact on the scenic Swiss countryside. It's important to note that while the mountainous areas to the east receive abundant sunlight, their steep slopes and rugged terrain make them less practical for large-scale solar projects. Additionally, these areas often have significant ecological value and may be protected, further limiting their suitability for solar development. Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would need to balance energy production goals with the preservation of the area's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Careful planning and community engagement would be essential to ensure that such developments harmonize with the local landscape and meet the needs of the population.

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.