Unterseen, Bern, Switzerland, situated at latitude 46.6949 and longitude 7.8434, 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 output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Unterseen varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.04 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.94 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease in output, producing 3.15 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at just 1.63 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Unterseen is most suitable for solar energy generation during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and typically clearer skies during this period contribute to the higher energy output.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Unterseen, Bern, 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 the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Unterseen:

• Snow accumulation in winter, which can cover panels and reduce efficiency
• Fog and cloud cover, particularly common in autumn and winter

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels can help maximize light absorption even in less-than-ideal conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and cleaning, is crucial to ensure optimal performance year-round.

While Unterseen may not be ideal for solar energy production throughout the entire year, proper installation techniques and maintenance can still make solar PV 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 Unterseen

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.6949, Longitude: 7.8434 (Unterseen, 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 Unterseen, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Unterseen, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.6949, 7.8434) 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 Unterseen, 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 Unterseen, 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 Unterseen, 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 Unterseen, 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 Unterseen, Switzerland

Unterseen, Switzerland, nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region, boasts a diverse and picturesque topography that is characteristic of the Swiss Alps. The town itself is situated in a relatively flat valley at an elevation of approximately 560 meters above sea level. This valley is formed by the convergence of two lakes, Lake Thun to the northwest and Lake Brienz to the east, with the Aare River flowing between them. Surrounding Unterseen are impressive mountain ranges that dominate the landscape. To the south, the towering peaks of the Bernese Alps, including the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, create a dramatic backdrop. These mountains rise steeply from the valley floor, with some peaks reaching heights of over 4,000 meters. The northern side of the valley is bordered by the gentler slopes of the Emmental Alps, which, while not as tall as their southern counterparts, still provide significant elevation changes. The immediate vicinity of Unterseen features a mix of gently rolling hills, forested areas, and small agricultural plots. These lower-lying areas gradually give way to steeper terrain as one moves away from the town center. The landscape is dotted with numerous streams and small rivers that flow down from the mountains, carving valleys and gorges along their paths.

Potential for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors must be taken into account. The steep mountainous terrain that surrounds Unterseen presents challenges for such projects due to shading and difficult access. However, there are some potential areas that could be suitable: The valley floor between Unterseen and Interlaken offers relatively flat land that receives good sun exposure. While much of this area is developed or used for agriculture, there may be parcels suitable for solar installations. South-facing slopes on the lower parts of the mountains, particularly those with gentler gradients, could be potential sites for solar farms. These areas often receive more direct sunlight throughout the day compared to the valley floor. The shores of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, where not occupied by settlements or protected for environmental reasons, might offer opportunities for solar installations. These lakeside locations typically have good solar exposure and are relatively accessible. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impact, visual aesthetics, and land-use regulations. The pristine natural beauty of the area is a significant asset for tourism, which is a crucial part of the local economy. Therefore, any solar development would likely need to balance energy production goals with preserving the scenic landscape that makes this region of Switzerland so renowned.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.