Solar PV Analysis of Fiesch, Switzerland
Fiesch, Valais, Switzerland, is located in the Northern Temperate Zone and it has potential for generating energy through solar PV. However, the efficiency of solar energy production varies throughout the year due to seasonal changes.
In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar can produce about 5.67 kilowatt-hours per day. This reduces to 3.14 kWh/day in autumn and goes down further in winter to about 2.02 kWh/day due to shorter days and less sunlight intensity. In spring, it increases again to around 5.09 kWh/day.
So, the best times for generating solar power at this location would be during the sunnier months of spring and summer when there's more daylight hours and stronger sunlight.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 41 degrees towards south is recommended as it maximises total year-round production from solar PV by capturing maximum sunlight throughout different seasons.
As for local factors that could impede solar production at this location - Fiesch is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains which may block or reduce sunlight especially during morning and evening hours or during winter months when sun stays low on horizon.
Weather conditions like frequent snowfall or cloud cover can also reduce sunlight exposure on panels thus affecting their output significantly.
To counter these issues:
1) Panels should be installed where they receive maximum unobstructed sunlight.
2) Regular cleaning & maintenance should be done especially after snowfalls or storms.
3) Using advanced tracking systems that move panels according to sun's position can help capture more light but they are usually more expensive.
4) If possible installing additional panels could compensate for reduced output during less sunny periods but this would increase initial investment cost.
In conclusion, while Fiesch does have potential for harnessing solar energy with proper setup & maintenance; seasonality and local geographical features do pose some challenges which need careful consideration and planning.
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 Fiesch
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.4183, Longitude: 8.1191 (Fiesch, 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 41° South in Fiesch, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fiesch, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.4183, 8.1191) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Fiesch, 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 Fiesch, Switzerland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° 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 Fiesch, 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 Fiesch, Switzerland.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Fiesch, Switzerland
Fiesch is located in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Valais. The topography around Fiesch is mountainous with high peaks, valleys, and steep slopes. This area experiences heavy snowfall during winters and has a cool temperate climate.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are most suitable as they allow for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels. In mountainous regions like Fiesch, south-facing slopes would be ideal as they receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year.
However, considering the topography around Fiesch, large-scale ground-mounted solar PV might not be feasible due to lack of flat land. Instead, rooftop solar installations on buildings could be a better option. Also given its high altitude and relatively clear skies it can potentially benefit from higher efficiency of solar panels due to cooler temperatures and increased sunlight intensity.
It's also worth noting that any potential sites for large-scale solar PV installation would need to take into account factors such as local environmental impact (e.g., impact on local ecosystems or landscape aesthetics), accessibility for construction and maintenance purposes, proximity to power grids for electricity transmission etc.
Given these factors detailed site-specific studies would need to be conducted by experts in order to identify suitable locations for large-scale Solar PV near Fiesch.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 21st of January 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
