Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland, situated at 47.4112° N latitude and 7.075° E longitude, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Porrentruy varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.74 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.89 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.02 kWh/day, while winter experiences a substantial drop to just 1.45 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that solar PV systems in Porrentruy are most effective from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the significant decline in winter output suggests that alternative or supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Porrentruy, Jura, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun path variations.

Environmental Considerations

While Porrentruy's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could impact efficiency:

1. Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel output.
2. Fog and low clouds, common in the region, may occasionally diminish solar radiation reaching the panels.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using anti-reflective coatings to maximize light absorption in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and panel cleaning, can also help maintain optimal performance.

In conclusion, while Porrentruy's location presents challenges, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a significant contribution to the area's energy needs, especially during the more productive spring and summer 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 Porrentruy

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.4112, Longitude: 7.075 (Porrentruy, 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 Porrentruy, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Porrentruy, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.4112, 7.075) 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 Porrentruy, 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 Porrentruy, 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 Porrentruy, 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 Porrentruy, 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 Porrentruy, Switzerland

The area surrounding Porrentruy, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Located in the northwestern part of the country, near the border with France, this region features a mix of rolling hills, gentle valleys, and forested areas. The town itself is nestled in a small basin, with higher elevations rising to the north and south. To the north of Porrentruy, the landscape gradually transitions into the Jura Mountains, a sub-alpine mountain range known for its limestone composition and parallel ridges. These mountains, while not as tall as the Alps, still provide a significant change in elevation and create a beautiful backdrop for the town. The southern slopes of the Jura Mountains near Porrentruy are often covered in dense forests, interspersed with open meadows and pastures. South of Porrentruy, the terrain becomes more open and less mountainous. This area is part of the Swiss Plateau, a relatively flat region that stretches between the Jura Mountains and the Alps. Here, the landscape is characterized by gently rolling hills, agricultural fields, and scattered woodlands. Several small rivers and streams flow through the valleys, contributing to the region's lush vegetation and fertile soil.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Porrentruy for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable locations would likely be found in the more open areas to the south and southeast of the town. These regions, part of the Swiss Plateau, offer several advantages for solar energy production: Firstly, the relatively flat or gently sloping terrain of the Swiss Plateau provides ample space for the installation of large solar arrays. This topography allows for easier construction and maintenance of solar facilities compared to the more rugged mountainous areas to the north. Secondly, these open areas typically receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, as they are less affected by the shadowing that can occur in mountainous regions. The absence of tall mountains to the south means that the sun's path is less obstructed, maximizing the potential for solar energy generation. Additionally, many of these areas are already used for agriculture, which could potentially allow for dual-use solar installations that combine energy production with farming activities. This approach, known as agrivoltaics, is gaining popularity in many parts of the world. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and the preservation of the region's natural beauty. The specific suitability of any site would require detailed analysis of factors such as solar irradiance, grid connectivity, and land use regulations.

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.