Solar PV Analysis of Kloten, Switzerland
Located in Kloten, Zurich, Switzerland (47.4617 latitude, 8.5868 longitude), the potential for solar power generation is considerable throughout the year. In summer, an average of 5.71 kWh per day can be generated for each kW of installed solar capacity owing to longer daylight hours and increased sunlight intensity. As autumn arrives with shorter days and less intense sunlight, the figure decreases to 2.99 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity.
Winter brings further reduction due to minimal daylight hours and lower sunlight intensity; however, an average of 1.52 kWh/day per kW can still be achieved despite these conditions. The arrival of spring ushers in a significant increase in generation with an average output reaching as high as 4.85 kWh/day per kW.
Given these figures, it's clear that Kloten provides a favorable environment for solar power production on a year-round basis despite seasonal variations in sun exposure.
For optimal energy collection from fixed panel installations at this location, panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 41 degrees facing southwards towards the equator to capture maximum sunlight throughout the year.
While factors such as heavy snowfall or rainfall may occasionally hinder energy production by blocking sunlight from reaching the panels directly or reducing its intensity through cloud cover, they are not frequent enough occurrences to significantly compromise overall power output from solar PV systems here.
However, one preventative measure that could potentially enhance energy production would be regular cleaning and maintenance of panels especially after adverse weather conditions like snowfall or rainstorms which could leave residue on panels obstructing direct sun exposure.
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 Kloten
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.4617, Longitude: 8.5868 (Kloten, 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 41° South in Kloten, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kloten, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.4617, 8.5868) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Kloten, 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 Kloten, Switzerland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° 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 Kloten, 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 Kloten, 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 Kloten, Switzerland
The topography around Kloten, Switzerland is mostly flat and open. The nearby areas that are most suited to large-scale solar PV include the eastern part of the city, where there is plenty of open space and direct sunlight. Additionally, the nearby hillsides provide an excellent opportunity for solar panel installation due to their south-facing orientation. The flat terrain also makes it easier to install larger arrays of panels with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure or wildlife habitats.
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: Sunday 16th of July 2023
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.
