Solar PV Analysis of Hurden, Switzerland
Hurden, Schwyz, Switzerland, situated at 47.2104°N, 8.8053°E, presents a moderate location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy generation in Hurden peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.71 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 4.85 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 2.99 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.52 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round. However, the relatively strong performance during spring and summer makes Hurden a viable option for solar PV installations, especially when combined with other energy sources or storage solutions.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Hurden, Schwyz, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 40-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can impact solar production in Hurden:
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can mitigate this issue.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloudy days, especially in autumn and winter. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize production during overcast conditions.
- Fog: Being near Lake Zurich, Hurden may experience fog, particularly in the mornings. Elevating panels or choosing a location with good air circulation can help minimize fog-related production losses.
To address these challenges, consider implementing a robust cleaning schedule, using snow-shedding panel designs, and incorporating microinverters or power optimizers to maintain efficiency during partial shading conditions. Additionally, a hybrid system combining solar with other renewable energy sources could provide more consistent year-round power generation.
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 Hurden
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.2104, Longitude: 8.8053 (Hurden, 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 Hurden, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hurden, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.2104, 8.8053) 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 Hurden, 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 Hurden, 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 | 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 Hurden, 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 Hurden, 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 Hurden, Switzerland
The area around Hurden, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Hurden itself is situated on a narrow strip of land that extends into Lake Zurich, creating a natural bridge between the mainland and the island of Ufenau. This unique location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The immediate vicinity of Hurden is relatively flat, with the land gently sloping towards the shores of Lake Zurich. This area is part of a broader region known as the Swiss Plateau, which stretches between the Alps in the south and the Jura Mountains in the north. As you move away from the lakeshore, the terrain gradually becomes more undulating, with rolling hills and small valleys dotting the landscape.
To the south and east of Hurden, the topography becomes more dramatic as it transitions into the foothills of the Alps. Here, you'll find steeper slopes and higher elevations, with some nearby peaks reaching heights of over 1,000 meters above sea level. The most prominent of these is the Etzel, a mountain that offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding areas.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for solar PV near Hurden would likely be found in the following locations:
- The agricultural lands to the north and northwest of Hurden, extending towards the towns of Pfäffikon and Freienbach. These areas offer flatter terrain and fewer obstructions to sunlight.
- The plateau areas between Hurden and Einsiedeln to the south, where there are some expanses of open land with favorable topography.
- Selected sites on the lower slopes of hills to the east and southeast of Hurden, provided they have a southerly aspect to maximize sun exposure.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land use regulations, environmental considerations, and grid connectivity would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV installations. Additionally, given Switzerland's commitment to preserving its natural landscapes, any such development would need to be carefully planned and executed in harmony with the surrounding environment.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 24th of July 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.
