Burgdorf, Bern, Switzerland, situated at 47.0523°N, 7.6308°E, presents a mixed picture 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

The solar energy production in Burgdorf varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.74 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 4.89 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.02 kWh/day, while winter experiences a substantial drop to just 1.45 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Burgdorf is most suitable for solar energy generation during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during this period contribute to the increased energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Burgdorf, Bern, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 40 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Burgdorf:

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

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and using anti-reflective coatings to maximize light absorption in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal, is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.

In conclusion, while Burgdorf's location is not ideal for year-round solar production due to significant seasonal variations, it still offers good potential during the warmer months. Proper panel installation and maintenance can help maximize energy generation despite the challenging winter conditions.

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 Burgdorf

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.0523, Longitude: 7.6308 (Burgdorf, 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 Burgdorf, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Burgdorf, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.0523, 7.6308) 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 Burgdorf, 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 Burgdorf, 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	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 Burgdorf, 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 Burgdorf, 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 Burgdorf, Switzerland

Burgdorf, Switzerland, nestled in the canton of Bern, is situated in a diverse topographical region that combines rolling hills, river valleys, and gentle slopes. The town itself lies in the Emme Valley, with the Emme River flowing nearby. The surrounding landscape is characterized by a mix of agricultural fields, forested areas, and scattered settlements. To the north and east of Burgdorf, the terrain gradually rises towards the foothills of the Swiss Plateau, creating a series of undulating hills and small valleys. These areas are predominantly used for farming and grazing, with patches of woodland interspersed throughout. The southern and western parts of the region feature more pronounced elevations, with steeper hillsides and denser forest cover.

Solar PV Potential

When considering areas near Burgdorf for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those with ample sunlight exposure, minimal shading, and relatively flat or gently sloping terrain. The agricultural areas to the north and east of Burgdorf present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These open fields receive good sunlight throughout the day and often have a slight southern inclination, which is ideal for maximizing solar energy capture. Additionally, the infrastructure in these areas is generally well-developed, making it easier to connect solar installations to the existing power grid. Some of the gentler slopes on the hillsides surrounding Burgdorf could also be considered for solar PV projects. However, care must be taken to avoid areas with dense forest cover or steep inclines, as these would be less suitable and potentially more environmentally disruptive. It's important to note that while the topography around Burgdorf offers potential for solar PV development, any large-scale projects would need to be carefully planned and implemented to balance energy production with environmental conservation and agricultural needs. Local regulations and land-use policies would also play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and location of such installations.

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.