Solar PV Analysis of Grolley, Switzerland
Grolley, Fribourg, Switzerland, situated at 46.8366°N, 7.0753°E, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact solar PV output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.04 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.94 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.15 kWh/day, while winter performance drops dramatically to just 1.63 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the substantial difference between peak and low seasons, with summer producing nearly four times the energy of winter. This variance underscores the importance of efficient energy storage solutions to balance supply throughout the year.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Grolley, Fribourg, fixed panels should be installed at a 40-degree tilt angle facing south. This orientation helps capture the most sunlight across all seasons, particularly beneficial during the less productive winter months.
Environmental Considerations
While Grolley's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
- Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, may impact production
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and use high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal, is crucial to maintain optimal performance year-round.
In conclusion, while Grolley experiences substantial seasonal variations in solar output, with proper planning and installation techniques, it can still be a viable location for solar PV systems. The strong performance in spring and summer can help offset the reduced winter production, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to harness renewable energy in this Swiss locale.
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 Grolley
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.8366, Longitude: 7.0753 (Grolley, 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 Grolley, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Grolley, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.8366, 7.0753) 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 Grolley, 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 Grolley, 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 Grolley, 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 Grolley, 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 Grolley, Switzerland
The area around Grolley, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the Swiss Plateau region. This part of Switzerland features a mix of gently rolling hills, flat plains, and small valleys. The terrain is generally low-lying compared to the nearby Alps, with elevations ranging from about 500 to 700 meters above sea level in the immediate vicinity of Grolley.
The topography includes agricultural fields, pastures, and patches of forest interspersed throughout the region. Small streams and rivers wind their way through the landscape, creating natural drainage systems. The area is dotted with small towns and villages, connected by a network of roads that follow the contours of the land.
To the south and east of Grolley, the terrain becomes slightly more hilly, with some areas rising to form low ridges and plateaus. These elevated areas offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, distant glimpses of the Alps to the south.
Suitability 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 flat or gently sloping agricultural lands to the north and west of Grolley present the most promising locations for solar PV projects. These areas offer large, open spaces with minimal shading from natural features or buildings. The relatively level terrain would simplify construction and maintenance of solar arrays.
South-facing slopes on the low hills to the south and east of Grolley could also be suitable for solar installations. These locations would benefit from increased exposure to sunlight throughout the day, potentially improving the efficiency of solar panels.
However, it's important to note that the Swiss Plateau region experiences frequent fog and overcast conditions, especially during winter months. This could impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. Additionally, the use of agricultural land for solar farms would need to be carefully balanced with food production needs and local land-use regulations.
Any large-scale solar PV project in this area would require thorough environmental impact assessments and community consultations. The visual impact on the picturesque Swiss landscape would also need to be considered, as well as the proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for grid connection.
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 8th of September 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.
