Wilen bei Wollerau, Switzerland, situated at 47.1939° N latitude and 8.7317° E longitude, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation through photovoltaic (PV) systems. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output at this location varies considerably throughout the year:

• Summer: 5.66 kWh/day per kW installed
• Spring: 4.79 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 2.92 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 1.46 kWh/day per kW installed

These figures indicate that solar energy production is most efficient during the summer months, with spring being the second-most productive season. The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this region.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Wilen bei Wollerau, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 40 degrees facing South. This angle helps to optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the high sun angles of summer with the lower sun positions in winter.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in this area: 1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloud cover, particularly in winter, which can significantly reduce solar energy generation. 2. Snowfall: Winter snowfall can temporarily cover panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular panel cleaning may be necessary. 3. Fog: The nearby lakes can contribute to fog formation, potentially affecting morning solar production. To mitigate these issues, consider using snow-shedding panel designs, implementing automated cleaning systems, and ensuring panels are installed at the optimal angle to promote natural snow sliding.

Conclusion

While Wilen bei Wollerau is not an ideal location for year-round solar energy production due to its significant seasonal variations and weather challenges, it still offers good potential during spring and summer months. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental factors, solar PV systems can be a valuable component of a diversified energy strategy in 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 Wilen Bei Wollerau

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.1939, Longitude: 8.7317 (Wilen Bei Wollerau, 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 Wilen Bei Wollerau, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wilen Bei Wollerau, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.1939, 8.7317) 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 Wilen Bei Wollerau, 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 Wilen Bei Wollerau, 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	61° 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 Wilen Bei Wollerau, 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 Wilen Bei Wollerau, 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 Wilen Bei Wollerau, Switzerland

Wilen bei Wollerau is a picturesque village nestled in the Swiss canton of Schwyz, situated on the southern shores of Lake Zurich. The topography of the area is characterized by its diverse and stunning landscape, combining elements of both lowland and highland terrain. The village itself sits at an elevation of approximately 450 meters above sea level, on a gentle slope that rises from the lakeshore. As you move away from the lake, the terrain becomes increasingly hilly, with numerous small valleys and ridges creating a rolling landscape. This undulating topography is typical of the Swiss Plateau region, which stretches between the Alps and the Jura Mountains. To the south and east of Wilen bei Wollerau, the land rises more dramatically towards the foothills of the Alps. The nearby Etzel mountain, reaching an elevation of about 1,100 meters, dominates the skyline in this direction. These higher elevations offer breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Zurich and the surrounding countryside.

Potential for Solar PV Installation

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine ample sunlight exposure, suitable terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The gently sloping areas to the north and west of Wilen bei Wollerau, which face towards Lake Zurich, could potentially be suitable for solar installations. These areas benefit from a southerly aspect, which is optimal for solar energy capture in the Northern Hemisphere. The gradual incline of the land in this direction also means that shading from nearby hills or mountains is less likely to be an issue. However, it's important to note that much of the land in this region is either developed or used for agriculture. Any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider land use regulations and potential impacts on local communities and ecosystems. The higher elevation areas to the south and east, while potentially offering good sun exposure, may present challenges in terms of accessibility and grid connection. Additionally, these areas are likely to be more environmentally sensitive, possibly limiting the feasibility of large-scale installations. Ultimately, the most suitable locations for solar PV in this region would likely be on existing structures or previously developed land, rather than on pristine natural areas. This could include large rooftops of industrial or commercial buildings in nearby towns, or potentially on noise barriers along major transportation routes. Such approaches would minimize environmental impact while still taking advantage of the region's solar potential.

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.