Givisiez, Fribourg, Switzerland, situated at latitude 46.8067 and longitude 7.1235, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy potential.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Givisiez, Fribourg, with an impressive daily output of 6.00 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.89 kWh per day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, with 3.09 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.58 kWh per day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of efficient system design to maximize year-round energy generation. The period from late spring through early autumn offers the most favorable conditions for solar energy production in Givisiez.

Optimal Panel Installation

To achieve the best year-round solar energy production in Givisiez, Fribourg, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental Considerations

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

• Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or the installation of snow guards may be necessary.
• Fog, common in the region, can temporarily decrease solar energy production. Using high-efficiency panels can help mitigate this issue.

To address these challenges, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding and using anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in foggy conditions. Additionally, a robust mounting system is crucial to withstand potential heavy snow loads.

In conclusion, while Givisiez experiences notable seasonal variations in solar energy potential, with proper system design and maintenance, solar PV can still be a viable and effective energy source throughout the year.

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 Givisiez

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.8067, Longitude: 7.1235 (Givisiez, 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 Givisiez, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Givisiez, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.8067, 7.1235) 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 Givisiez, 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 Givisiez, 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 Givisiez, 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 Givisiez, 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 Givisiez, Switzerland

Givisiez, a small commune in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, is situated in a diverse topographical region. The area surrounding Givisiez is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, flat plains, and low-lying plateaus. To the west and northwest, the terrain gradually rises towards the Jura Mountains, while to the east and southeast, the landscape becomes more varied as it approaches the foothills of the Alps. The immediate vicinity of Givisiez features relatively flat terrain, with some slight undulations. This area is part of the Swiss Plateau, a region known for its fertile farmland and numerous small lakes. The Sarine River flows nearby, carving a shallow valley through the landscape and contributing to the area's gentle topography.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Givisiez, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those with ample sunlight exposure, minimal shading, and relatively flat or gently sloping terrain. The flat plains and low-lying plateaus to the north and northeast of Givisiez offer promising potential for solar PV development. These areas typically have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, allowing for maximum sunlight capture throughout the day. The gentle slopes in these regions can also be advantageous, as they can be oriented to optimize solar panel placement for ideal sun exposure. South-facing hillsides in the surrounding area could also be suitable for solar PV installations. While steeper terrain can present challenges for construction and maintenance, strategically placed solar arrays on these slopes could benefit from increased sunlight exposure, particularly during winter months when the sun's angle is lower. It's important to note that while the topography around Givisiez offers some favorable conditions for solar PV, other factors such as land use regulations, environmental considerations, and proximity to electrical infrastructure would also need to be taken into account when determining the most suitable locations for 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.