Jona, Saint Gallen, Switzerland, situated at coordinates 47.2295, 8.8373, 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 5.66 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.79 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 2.92 kWh/day, while winter performance drops dramatically to just 1.46 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial difference between peak and off-peak seasons. The long, sunny days of summer and spring make these ideal times for solar energy production in Jona. Conversely, the short, often overcast days of winter present significant challenges for consistent energy generation.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed panels should be tilted at a 40-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the high sun angles of summer with the lower trajectories of winter.

Environmental Considerations

While Jona's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
• Fog, common in the region, may occasionally diminish solar irradiance

To mitigate these issues, installing panels at the recommended angle helps shed snow more easily. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels can improve performance in foggy conditions. Regular maintenance, including clearing snow and cleaning panels, is crucial for maintaining optimal energy production.

Overall, while Jona experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, proper installation techniques and maintenance practices can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this location.

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 Jona

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.2295, Longitude: 8.8373 (Jona, 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 Jona, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jona, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.2295, 8.8373) 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 Jona, 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 Jona, 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 Jona, 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 Jona, 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 Jona, Switzerland

The topography around Jona, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the Swiss Plateau region. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Zurich, Jona is nestled in a valley surrounded by gently rolling hills and low mountains. The terrain gradually rises from the lakeshore, with elevations increasing as you move away from the water. To the east and northeast of Jona, the landscape becomes more rugged, with the foothills of the Appenzell Alps beginning to emerge. These hills are often covered in lush forests and dotted with small farms and pastures. To the west, the land is generally flatter, with more open fields and agricultural areas stretching towards Zurich. The immediate vicinity of Jona features a mix of urban development and green spaces. The town itself is built on relatively flat land near the lake, but quickly gives way to more undulating terrain as you move outward. Small streams and creeks flow through the area, carving shallow valleys and contributing to the region's water resources.

Potential Areas 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 terrain, and minimal obstruction from natural or man-made structures. The open agricultural lands to the west of Jona present the most promising opportunities for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas typically have fewer trees and buildings that could cast shadows on solar panels, and the flatter terrain would simplify installation and reduce costs associated with land preparation. South-facing slopes on the gentle hills surrounding Jona could also be suitable for solar installations. While these locations might require more complex engineering solutions, they could potentially capture more sunlight throughout the day due to their orientation. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully balance energy production goals with preserving the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of the Swiss landscape. 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.