Gempen, Solothurn, Switzerland, located at 47.4796°N, 7.6609°E, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Gempen peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.74 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.89 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.02 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 1.45 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of proper system sizing to meet year-round energy needs. While summer offers excellent generation potential, winter months may require supplementary energy sources or energy storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.

Optimal Panel Placement

For fixed panel installations in Gempen, Solothurn, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 41 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Gempen's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
2. Fog and low-lying clouds, common in this region, may occasionally impact solar irradiance.

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

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and installation, Gempen can effectively harness solar energy, particularly from spring through autumn. The location's moderate climate and lack of extreme weather events make it a viable option for long-term solar PV investments.

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 Gempen

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.4796, Longitude: 7.6609 (Gempen, 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 Gempen, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gempen, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.4796, 7.6609) 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 Gempen, 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 Gempen, 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
31° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	61° South in Winter	40° 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 Gempen, 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 Gempen, 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 Gempen, Switzerland

The topography around Gempen, Switzerland, is characterized by rolling hills and gentle slopes typical of the Jura Mountains region. Gempen itself sits atop a small plateau at an elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape is a mix of open meadows, scattered forests, and small farming communities. To the north and east of Gempen, the terrain gradually descends towards the Rhine Valley, with the land becoming flatter and more open as it approaches the city of Basel. To the south and west, the hills become more pronounced, with steeper slopes and denser forest cover. The area is crisscrossed by small streams and valleys, creating a patchwork of microclimates and varied vegetation.

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 have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, and minimal shading from surrounding landscape features. The areas to the north and northeast of Gempen, as the land descends towards the Rhine Valley, present the most promising opportunities for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas generally have more open, less forested terrain with gentler slopes. The reduced elevation also means less cloud cover and fog compared to the higher elevations of the Jura Mountains. Specifically, the agricultural lands between Gempen and the towns of Pratteln and Muttenz could be suitable for solar farms. These areas offer larger, continuous plots of land with good sun exposure and relatively easy access for construction and maintenance. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to balance energy production goals with preservation of the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Environmental impact assessments and community consultations would be crucial steps in identifying the most appropriate sites for such developments.

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.