Wollerau, Schwyz, Switzerland, situated at 47.197°N, 8.6994°E, presents a mixed landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which directly impacts the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Wollerau fluctuates considerably across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 5.71 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 4.85 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 2.99 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 1.52 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the optimal times for solar energy generation in Wollerau. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during summer and spring make these seasons ideal for maximizing solar output. Conversely, the shorter days and lower sun angles in autumn and winter result in reduced energy production.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Wollerau, Schwyz, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 40-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's path throughout the year, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Wollerau's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar production:

• Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
• Fog, common in the Swiss lowlands, may occasionally diminish solar irradiance

To mitigate these issues, solar installations in Wollerau should incorporate snow-shedding designs and regular maintenance plans. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective glass on solar panels can help maximize light absorption even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

In conclusion, while Wollerau experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, proper panel positioning and addressing environmental factors can help optimize year-round energy production from solar PV systems 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 Wollerau

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.197, Longitude: 8.6994 (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 Wollerau, Switzerland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wollerau, Switzerland (Lat/Long 47.197, 8.6994) 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 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 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
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 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 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 Wollerau, Switzerland

Wollerau, Switzerland, situated at coordinates 47.197°N, 8.6994°E, is nestled in a picturesque landscape characterized by rolling hills and gentle slopes. The town is located on the southern shores of Lake Zurich, providing it with stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside. The topography around Wollerau is diverse and varied. To the south and southeast, the terrain gradually rises towards the foothills of the Alps, creating a series of undulating hills and small valleys. These hills are often covered in lush green meadows and patches of forest, giving the area a charming rural feel. The northern part of Wollerau slopes gently towards Lake Zurich, offering panoramic vistas of the lake and the distant mountains beyond.

Nearby Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Wollerau for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those with ample sunlight exposure, minimal shading, and relatively flat or gently sloping terrain. The open agricultural fields to the south and southeast of Wollerau present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas often feature expansive, unobstructed spaces that receive good sunlight throughout the day. The gentle slopes in this region can also be advantageous, as they can be oriented to maximize solar exposure. Another potential area for solar PV installations could be the plateaus and wider valleys found in the nearby communities to the east and west of Wollerau. These locations often have larger, flatter areas that could accommodate substantial solar arrays while minimizing the need for extensive land modification. It's important to note that while the region around Wollerau has potential for solar energy development, any large-scale projects would need to carefully consider environmental impact, local regulations, and the preservation of the area's natural beauty. The proximity to Lake Zurich and the Alpine foothills means that visual impact assessments and ecological studies would likely be necessary before proceeding with any major solar installations. In conclusion, the topography around Wollerau offers a mix of gently rolling hills, lakeside slopes, and areas of flatter terrain. While the immediate vicinity of the town may not be ideal for large-scale solar projects due to its residential nature and proximity to the lake, the surrounding rural areas to the south, east, and west present more promising opportunities for solar PV development, balancing the need for renewable energy with the preservation of the region's scenic landscapes.

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.