Solar Energy Potential in Feldbrunnen, Solothurn, Switzerland

Feldbrunnen, Solothurn, Switzerland, located at 47.2191° N, 7.5481° E, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The summer months provide the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 5.69 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This peak performance is due to longer daylight hours and higher sun angles during this season. Spring follows as the second-best season for solar generation, yielding 4.83 kWh per day for each kW installed. The increasing daylight hours and improving weather conditions contribute to this relatively high output. Autumn sees a noticeable decline in solar production, with an average of 2.95 kWh per day per kW installed. This reduction is attributed to shorter days and the sun's lower position in the sky. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy generation in Feldbrunnen, Solothurn, with a significantly lower output of 1.39 kWh per day per kW installed. The combination of short days, low sun angles, and potential cloud cover contributes to this reduced performance.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Feldbrunnen, Solothurn, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps balance the seasonal variations in sun position and ensures the best possible energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Feldbrunnen's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact system performance: 1. Snow accumulation: During winter months, snow may cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular panel cleaning and the use of snow-shedding systems can help mitigate this issue. 2. Fog and low clouds: The region may experience periods of fog or low cloud cover, particularly in autumn and winter. While this can't be prevented, using high-efficiency panels and ensuring proper spacing between rows can help maximize energy capture during clearer periods. 3. Shading from nearby structures or vegetation: Careful site assessment and strategic panel placement can minimize the impact of shading on solar production. By addressing these potential challenges and optimizing panel installation, Feldbrunnen residents can make the most of their solar energy systems, particularly during the more productive spring and summer months.

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 Feldbrunnen

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.2191, Longitude: 7.5481 (Feldbrunnen, 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 Feldbrunnen, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Feldbrunnen, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.2191, 7.5481) 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 Feldbrunnen, 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 Feldbrunnen, 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 Feldbrunnen, 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 Feldbrunnen, 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 Feldbrunnen, Switzerland

The area surrounding Feldbrunnen, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the Swiss Plateau region. Situated in the canton of Solothurn, Feldbrunnen lies in a gently rolling countryside with a mix of agricultural fields, small forests, and scattered settlements. The topography in this area is predominantly flat to slightly hilly, with occasional gentle slopes and shallow valleys. The elevation gradually increases as one moves south towards the Jura Mountains, which form a natural border between Switzerland and France. To the north and east, the terrain remains relatively level, with occasional small hills and depressions. Numerous small streams and rivers crisscross the landscape, creating a network of waterways that drain into larger rivers like the Aare. These water features have shaped the local topography over time, carving shallow valleys and creating fertile floodplains.

Potential 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 relatively flat, open areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from natural or man-made structures. The agricultural fields surrounding Feldbrunnen could potentially be suitable for solar PV development. These areas often provide large, unobstructed spaces with favorable sun exposure. However, it's important to balance the need for renewable energy with preserving valuable agricultural land. Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest might also be good candidates for solar installations. These areas can receive optimal sunlight throughout the day, potentially increasing the efficiency of solar panels. It's worth noting that while the topography around Feldbrunnen is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would need to be carefully evaluated before implementing any large-scale solar projects in the 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.