Solar PV Analysis of Vallorbe, Switzerland
Vallorbe, Vaud, Switzerland, situated at coordinates 46.7103, 6.3784, presents a mixed scenario 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 Vallorbe fluctuates considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.04kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.94kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.15kWh/day, while winter experiences a substantial drop to just 1.63kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Vallorbe's location is most suitable for solar energy generation during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and generally clearer skies during this period contribute to the higher energy yields.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Vallorbe, Vaud, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental Considerations
While Vallorbe's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Snow accumulation in winter: The region's winter snowfall could cover panels, reducing their effectiveness. Regular panel cleaning or the installation of snow guards may be necessary.
- Cloud cover: The area experiences frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, which can diminish solar output. Using high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions can help mitigate this issue.
To address these challenges, consider implementing snow-shedding panel designs, automated cleaning systems, and potentially combining solar PV with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power generation throughout the year.
In conclusion, while Vallorbe's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers significant potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper planning and the implementation of appropriate technologies, solar PV can be a viable and effective source of renewable energy in this Swiss locale.
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 Vallorbe
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.7103, Longitude: 6.3784 (Vallorbe, 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 Vallorbe, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vallorbe, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.7103, 6.3784) 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 Vallorbe, 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 Vallorbe, 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 | 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 Vallorbe, 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 Vallorbe, 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 Vallorbe, Switzerland
The area around Vallorbe, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the Jura Mountains region. This landscape features a mix of rolling hills, steep forested slopes, and deep valleys carved by rivers over millennia. Vallorbe itself is nestled in a valley at an elevation of about 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level.
The surrounding terrain is marked by limestone ridges and plateaus, with some peaks reaching heights of over 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). These mountains are part of the Jura fold and thrust belt, resulting in a series of parallel ridges and valleys running roughly southwest to northeast. The area also includes karst features such as caves and underground rivers, which are common in limestone regions.
Forests cover a significant portion of the landscape, particularly on the steeper slopes and higher elevations. The lower areas and valley floors often contain a mix of pastures, meadows, and small agricultural plots, reflecting the region's traditional farming practices.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the topography around Vallorbe presents some challenges but also opportunities. The most suitable areas for solar farms would likely be:
- South-facing slopes: Gentle to moderate south-facing hillsides would offer optimal sun exposure throughout the day. These areas would need to be carefully selected to balance solar potential with environmental and aesthetic concerns.
- Plateaus and flat areas: Any relatively flat areas on higher ground could be suitable, as they would receive good sun exposure and potentially be less visible from populated areas in the valleys.
- Former quarries or industrial sites: If any such areas exist near Vallorbe, they could be repurposed for solar installations, minimizing impact on natural landscapes.
- Agricultural land: Some less productive agricultural areas on south-facing slopes or plateaus could potentially be used for solar farms, though this would need to be balanced with food production needs.
It's important to note that large-scale solar PV installations in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impact, visual aesthetics, and local regulations. The mountainous terrain and forested areas may limit the availability of large, contiguous spaces for solar farms, so a distributed approach with multiple smaller installations might be more feasible.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 7th of October 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.
