Solar Energy Production in Jegenstorf, Bern, Switzerland

Jegenstorf, Bern, Switzerland, located at coordinates 47.051, 7.5097, offers varying potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production. The summer months provide the most favorable conditions for solar energy generation, with an average daily output of 5.69 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 4.83 kWh per day. Autumn production drops considerably to 2.95 kWh daily, while winter presents the greatest challenge with only 1.39 kWh per day on average.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Jegenstorf, Bern, the ideal tilt angle is 40 degrees facing South. This specific angle maximizes year-round energy production by optimizing exposure to the sun's path across the sky throughout the changing seasons.

Seasonal Considerations

The substantial difference between summer and winter production (over 4 kWh per day) indicates that Jegenstorf experiences a challenging solar environment during winter months. This pattern is typical for locations in the Northern Temperate Zone, where shorter days and lower sun angles significantly reduce winter production. Anyone considering solar installation in Jegenstorf should plan for this seasonal variability. The system may produce nearly four times more energy in summer than in winter, which could affect how you use or store the generated electricity throughout the year.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Jegenstorf:

• Snow accumulation in winter months can significantly reduce output by covering panels. Installing panels at the recommended 40-degree tilt helps with natural snow shedding, though manual clearing may occasionally be necessary.
• Fog and low cloud cover, common in the Swiss plateau region during autumn and winter, can further reduce the already limited winter production. Unfortunately, there's no direct mitigation for this factor.

To maximize production despite these challenges, consider regular panel maintenance, including cleaning and snow removal when necessary. Some installations might benefit from snow guards or heating elements in areas prone to heavy snowfall, though these add to system complexity and cost. The pronounced seasonal variation suggests that Jegenstorf is a moderate location for solar energy production—excellent in summer and spring but requiring supplementary energy sources or storage solutions for the less productive autumn and winter months.

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 Jegenstorf

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.051, Longitude: 7.5097 (Jegenstorf, 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 Jegenstorf, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jegenstorf, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.051, 7.5097) 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 Jegenstorf, 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 Jegenstorf, 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 Jegenstorf, 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 Jegenstorf, 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 Jegenstorf, Switzerland

The landscape around Jegenstorf, Switzerland presents a diverse topographical profile characteristic of the Swiss Plateau (Mittelland). Situated approximately 15 kilometers north of Bern, Jegenstorf lies in a gently undulating terrain with an elevation of about 520 meters above sea level. The area features a mix of agricultural fields, scattered forests, and small settlements nestled within shallow valleys. The immediate vicinity of Jegenstorf is characterized by modest hills and shallow depressions, with gradual slopes rather than steep inclines. This rolling countryside is part of the broader Swiss Plateau that extends between the Jura Mountains to the northwest and the Alps to the southeast. Small streams and drainage channels cross the landscape, eventually feeding into the Aare River system.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas around Jegenstorf offer favorable conditions. The gently sloping south-facing hillsides north of Jegenstorf present particularly suitable terrain for solar development. These areas receive optimal solar exposure throughout the day while avoiding the shadowing effects that can occur in more mountainous regions. The agricultural plains extending east and southeast of Jegenstorf also merit consideration for solar development. These relatively flat areas offer substantial contiguous space that could accommodate larger solar arrays. The minimal topographical variation reduces installation complexity and associated costs. Areas to potentially avoid include the scattered forest patches and the more densely populated residential zones. Additionally, low-lying areas near streams may experience more frequent fog conditions during autumn and winter months, which could marginally reduce solar generation efficiency. The region's moderate elevation also provides an advantage, as the air is clearer than in lower valleys where fog and haze can linger. While the Swiss Plateau does experience some cloudy and foggy periods during winter, the overall topographical situation around Jegenstorf remains favorable for solar energy production compared to many other parts of Switzerland, particularly the deeper Alpine valleys where surrounding mountains can significantly limit direct sunlight. From a topographical perspective, the most promising zones for large-scale solar development would be the south-facing gentle slopes approximately 2-3 kilometers north and northeast of Jegenstorf, where the combination of elevation, orientation, and open terrain creates advantageous conditions for solar energy capture.

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.