Solar PV Analysis of Olten, Switzerland
Olten, Solothurn, Switzerland, is a decent location for generating solar energy year-round. The amount of electricity you can produce from solar power changes with the seasons. In summer, you can expect to generate about 5.74 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. This drops slightly in spring to 4.89 kWh/day per kW, and further still in autumn to 3.02 kWh/day per kW. Winter sees the lowest production at about 1.45 kWh/day per kW.
So if you want to maximize your solar energy generation, summer and spring are the best times of year at this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight exposure.
To get the most out of your solar panels throughout the year in Olten, Solothurn, it's recommended that they're tilted at an angle of 40 degrees facing south - this position captures as much sunlight as possible over all four seasons.
However, there may be local factors that could hinder your ability to generate solar power efficiently here:
Firstly, weather conditions could affect production: Switzerland is known for its cloudy and rainy days especially during winter months which would reduce the amount of sunlight reaching your panels.
Secondly, topography might also play a role: Olten being located in a valley surrounded by hills could lead to shadows falling on your panels particularly during early morning or late afternoon hours; reducing their efficiency.
Lastly environmental factors such as dust or snow accumulating on panel surfaces can obstruct light absorption leading to decreased output.
To counter these issues:
- Regular maintenance like cleaning off dust or snow from panel surfaces will ensure they remain efficient.
- If shadows from nearby hills are an issue considering installing tracking systems that move panels towards sun throughout day may help.
- Using high-efficiency modules designed for low-light conditions can also be beneficial during cloudy days or winter months.
In conclusion while some challenges exist, with careful planning and maintenance, Olten can still be a viable location for solar energy production year-round.
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 Olten
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.3449, Longitude: 7.9059 (Olten, 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 Olten, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Olten, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.3449, 7.9059) 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 Olten, 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 Olten, 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 Olten, 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 Olten, 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 Olten, Switzerland
Olten is located in the Swiss Plateau region, which is characterized by rolling hills and plains. The city itself lies in a valley of the Aare River, surrounded by low-lying hills. The topography around Olten is relatively flat with some gentle slopes.
For large-scale solar PV installations, areas with high solar irradiance and relatively flat terrains are preferable to maximize exposure to sunlight and minimize installation challenges. Considering these factors, the plains surrounding Olten could be suitable for such installations.
However, it's essential to consider other factors like land use restrictions (agricultural lands or protected natural areas), proximity to electrical grids for energy transmission, local weather conditions (frequency of sunny days), and potential environmental impacts before deciding on a specific location.
Switzerland has been actively promoting renewable energy sources including solar power. Therefore it's likely that there are already regulations and incentives in place that could facilitate the development of large-scale solar PV projects in regions like Olten.
To obtain precise information about suitable sites for large-scale solar PV around Olten or any other area, a comprehensive feasibility study should be conducted considering all these factors. This would typically involve site surveys as well as analysis of meteorological data (for estimating solar irradiance) and grid connectivity options.
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: Thursday 29th of February 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.
