Unterentfelden, Aargau, Switzerland offers varying potential for solar energy production throughout the year, with its location in the Northern Temperate Zone providing both opportunities and challenges for solar PV installations.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Unterentfelden generate electricity most efficiently during summer, producing approximately 5.66 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 4.79 kWh/day per kW installed. Production decreases significantly in autumn to 2.92 kWh/day and reaches its lowest point in winter with just 1.46 kWh/day per kW installed.

This seasonal variation creates a considerable difference between summer and winter production, with summer generating nearly four times more electricity than winter per unit of installed capacity.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Unterentfelden, Aargau, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 40 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the annual electricity generation by balancing seasonal variations and accounting for the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors may impact solar production at this location:

• Winter snow accumulation can significantly reduce production during the already low-yield winter months if panels become covered
• Fog and low cloud cover, common in the Swiss plateau region during autumn and winter, may further reduce the limited solar radiation
• Potential shading from nearby Alpine foothills or local tall structures could impact morning and evening production

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production in Unterentfelden, Aargau, consider these preventative measures:

• Install panels at the recommended 40-degree tilt to help shed snow and optimize year-round production
• Implement snow removal protocols for winter months to prevent extended coverage
• Consider micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Conduct a thorough shade analysis before installation to avoid placement in areas affected by structural or geographical shading
• Regular cleaning maintenance, especially after pollen season in spring and before winter, to maintain optimal efficiency

While Unterentfelden experiences significant seasonal production differences, properly installed and maintained solar PV systems can still provide substantial renewable energy, particularly from March through September when production levels are highest.

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 Unterentfelden

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.3656, Longitude: 8.0519 (Unterentfelden, 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 Unterentfelden, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Unterentfelden, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.3656, 8.0519) 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 Unterentfelden, 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 Unterentfelden, 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 Unterentfelden, 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 Unterentfelden, 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 Unterentfelden, Switzerland

The landscape around Unterentfelden, Switzerland presents a varied topography characteristic of the Swiss Plateau (Mittelland) region. Situated in the canton of Aargau, Unterentfelden lies in a relatively flat valley along the Suhre River. The immediate terrain features gentle undulations rather than dramatic elevation changes, with the valley floor sitting at approximately 400 meters above sea level. Surrounding this valley are modest hills that gradually rise to heights of 500-600 meters, creating a shallow bowl-like formation. To the east, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated toward Hunzenschwil and the outskirts of Aarau. The western side features similar rolling hills extending toward Kölliken and Safenwil. The southern direction reveals more pronounced elevation as the landscape begins transitioning toward the foothills of the Jura Mountains, while the northern approach maintains the characteristic gentle Swiss Plateau topography.

Hydrological Features

The Suhre River flows through Unterentfelden, having originated from Lake Sempach to the south. This waterway has historically shaped the valley formation and continues to influence the local topography. Several smaller streams and drainage channels intersect the area, creating a network of minor waterways throughout the surrounding countryside.

Land Use Patterns

The immediate vicinity of Unterentfelden displays a mixture of developed areas, agricultural land, and scattered forest patches. The valley floor contains most of the residential and commercial development, while agricultural activities predominantly occupy the gentler slopes. Forested areas become more common on steeper terrain and along ridgelines, particularly toward the south where elevation increases more significantly.

Solar PV Suitability

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several nearby areas present favorable conditions based on topographical considerations: The gently sloping agricultural lands north of Unterentfelden toward Schöftland offer promising potential for solar development. These areas benefit from minimal shadowing effects due to their gradual north-facing orientation and relatively open landscape with few tall obstructions. The slightly elevated plateau areas east of Unterentfelden, extending toward Suhr and Buchs, provide suitable terrain for solar installations. These locations feature relatively flat expanses with good southern exposure and minimal topographical shadowing from surrounding features. Agricultural lands west of the Suhre River, particularly in the direction of Kölliken, present another viable option. These areas contain extensive open spaces with favorable southern and southwestern exposures that would maximize solar collection potential throughout the day. The least suitable areas would be the more densely forested hillsides to the south, where shadowing effects would be pronounced and terrain more challenging for construction. Similarly, the immediate riverside locations along the Suhre would be less ideal due to potential flooding concerns and higher humidity levels that might affect equipment longevity. When considering large-scale solar development in this region, the most promising sites would balance several topographical factors: moderate slopes facing south to southwest, elevation sufficient to avoid morning fog common in valley bottoms, and adequate distance from forested areas that could cast shadows during winter months when the sun angle is lower.

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.