Sullens, Vaud, Switzerland, situated at coordinates 46.5948, 6.5614, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.00 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.89 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.09 kWh/day, while winter performance drops dramatically to just 1.58 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial difference between peak and low seasons, with summer producing nearly four times the energy of winter. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer months contribute significantly to this increased productivity.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round energy production, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 40-degree tilt angle facing south. This orientation helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Sullens benefits from good solar potential, especially in summer and spring, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
• Fog and low cloud cover, common in the region, may impact solar generation

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and using anti-reflective coatings to maximize light absorption in low-light conditions. Regular panel cleaning and maintenance are also crucial to ensure optimal performance year-round.

In conclusion, while Sullens is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its significant seasonal variations, it still offers good potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV can be a viable renewable energy option for this Swiss 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 Sullens

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.5948, Longitude: 6.5614 (Sullens, 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 Sullens, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sullens, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.5948, 6.5614) 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 Sullens, 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 Sullens, 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
30° 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 Sullens, 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 Sullens, 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 Sullens, Switzerland

The landscape around Sullens, Switzerland, is characterized by gently rolling hills and agricultural plains typical of the Swiss Plateau region. Situated in the western part of the country, Sullens lies in a transition zone between the flatter lowlands and the more mountainous areas to the south and east. The terrain in the immediate vicinity of Sullens consists of open farmland interspersed with small patches of forest. The land gradually rises towards the southeast, where the foothills of the Jura Mountains begin to emerge. To the north and west, the topography remains relatively flat, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys carved by small streams and rivers.

Nearby Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Sullens, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those with ample sunlight exposure, minimal shading, and relatively flat terrain to reduce installation costs and maximize efficiency. The open agricultural fields to the north and west of Sullens present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas offer expansive, unobstructed spaces with good sun exposure throughout the day. The gentle slopes in some of these locations could even be advantageous, as they may allow for optimal panel orientation without significant earthwork. However, it's important to note that the use of productive agricultural land for solar installations may face resistance due to concerns about food security and land use changes. As such, less fertile areas or those already designated for industrial use might be preferable. The slightly elevated areas to the southeast, where the terrain begins to rise, could also be suitable for solar PV installations. These locations might benefit from reduced fog exposure compared to the lower-lying areas, potentially increasing the overall sunlight received by the panels. While the forested areas around Sullens are less ideal for large-scale solar projects due to shading issues, the edges of these wooded zones could be considered for smaller installations, provided they receive adequate sunlight. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and community acceptance. The picturesque nature of the Swiss landscape often leads to strict guidelines for development, especially for projects that may alter the visual character of the area.

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.