Solar PV Analysis of Untersiggenthal, Switzerland
The location at Untersiggenthal, Aargau, Switzerland is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. However, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the season.
During summer and spring, this location can produce a good amount of electricity from solar power. In fact, in summer it can generate about 5.71 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity; while in spring it produces around 4.85 kWh/day per kW. This means that these are the best times to harness solar energy at this location.
In contrast, autumn and winter see a considerable drop in productivity with only 2.99 kWh/day per kW and 1.52 kWh/day per kW respectively being produced due to shorter days and less intense sunlight during these seasons.
For fixed panel installations at this site, tilting panels towards south at an angle of 41 degrees is recommended to maximize total annual production from the solar PV system because it will catch more sunlight over the course of a year.
As far as local factors that could impede solar production are concerned, they might include weather conditions such as frequent cloud cover or snowfall which could block sunlight reaching the panels especially during autumn and winter months when sunshine is already limited.
To mitigate such issues and ensure greater energy production from your PV system:
- Regularly clean your panels to remove any dust or snow accumulation which might obstruct sunlight.
- Consider installing devices like snow guards that prevent buildup on your panels.
- Monitor trees or buildings around your installation site that may cast shadows on your panels over time - you might need to trim branches or even relocate panels if necessary.
Remember though: while these measures can help optimize performance under challenging conditions they cannot completely overcome seasonal variations inherent to this location's latitude & climate profile which limit overall potential compared with sunnier locations closer to equator.
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 Untersiggenthal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.4961, Longitude: 8.2572 (Untersiggenthal, 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 41° South in Untersiggenthal, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Untersiggenthal, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.4961, 8.2572) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Untersiggenthal, 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 Untersiggenthal, Switzerland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° 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 Untersiggenthal, 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 Untersiggenthal, 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 Untersiggenthal, Switzerland
Untersiggenthal is located in the northern part of Switzerland, close to the German border. The topography of this area is characterized by a mix of flat plains and gently rolling hills. It's surrounded by forests and agricultural land with the river Limmat flowing nearby.
In terms of solar PV potential, it would depend on several factors such as sun exposure, slope angle, land availability and local regulations among others. Generally speaking, flat areas with good sun exposure would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
The agricultural lands around Untersiggenthal could potentially be used for solar farms if they are not being intensively used for farming or protected under environmental or heritage laws. Moreover, rooftops in urban areas can also be utilized for installing smaller scale solar panels.
However, it should be noted that while Switzerland gets a fair amount of sunlight throughout the year (especially in summer), its latitude means that the sun is relatively low in the sky compared to countries closer to equator - reducing overall efficiency of solar panels.
A detailed site survey along with consultations from local authorities and renewable energy experts will provide a more accurate assessment on potential sites for large-scale Solar PV installation near Untersiggenthal.
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: Saturday 30th of March 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.
