Solar PV Analysis of Vevey, Switzerland
Based on the provided data, Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, is a pretty good location for generating solar power throughout the year. However, it's not perfect because the amount of energy generated varies each season.
In simple terms, you can expect to get more electricity from solar panels during summer and spring compared to autumn and winter. During summer, your solar panels could produce about 6.04 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity. This amount decreases to approximately 4.94 kWh/day in spring and further drops to around 3.15 kWh/day in autumn and 1.63 kWh/day in winter.
So if you were planning when best to rely on solar power at this location - summer would be your best bet followed by springtime.
For maximum efficiency all year round though, the solar panels should be installed at an angle facing 40 degrees South - this allows them to capture as much sunlight as possible over different times of the year.
As far as local factors that might affect energy production from these panels are concerned; Vevey's weather patterns could play a role here since cloudy or foggy days would mean less sunlight reaching your panels leading to lower energy output.
The city's topography could also impact how much sun exposure the panels get - if there are mountains or tall buildings blocking direct sunlight for example.
To ensure greater energy production despite these possible challenges:
- Solar panel installations can include trackers that follow the sun’s path across the sky for maximum exposure.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep debris or snow off your solar panels ensuring they get as much sunlight exposure as possible.
- If tall structures are an issue they could potentially be placed higher up where obstructions are minimal.
Remember though that while these steps may improve efficiency they will also add costs so it’s important to weigh up benefits vs costs when considering them.
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 Vevey
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.4496, Longitude: 6.8373 (Vevey, 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 Vevey, Switzerland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vevey, Switzerland (Lat/Long 46.4496, 6.8373) 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 Vevey, 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 Vevey, 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 Vevey, 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 Vevey, 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 Vevey, Switzerland
Vevey is located in the canton of Vaud, in the southwestern part of Switzerland. It is situated on the north shore of Lake Geneva, near the foothills of the Swiss Alps. The topography around Vevey is characterized by a mix of flat and hilly terrain, with steep slopes leading up to higher elevations.
The region has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. While it does receive a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year, it also experiences considerable cloud cover and precipitation due to its proximity to the Alps.
Considering these factors, large-scale solar PV installations would be most suited in areas that have maximum sun exposure and minimal shading from surrounding features like mountains or buildings. Flat or gently sloping terrains would be ideal as they require less structural work for installation.
In terms of specific locations near Vevey for large-scale solar PV installations:
1. The Rhone Valley: This area lies to the east of Lake Geneva and is known for its sunny climate - an important factor for solar energy generation.
2. Plateaus Around Vevey: These areas offer ample space and sunlight exposure which are suitable for large scale installations.
3. Rooftops within Vevey: Large commercial or industrial rooftops could also be utilized for installing solar panels.
However, any decision regarding location should take into account not only geographical factors but also legal regulations (like zoning laws), environmental impact assessments and local community acceptance towards such projects.
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: Friday 15th 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.
