PVGIS Solar Bordeaux: Solar Estimate in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Bordeaux's Exceptional Solar Potential

Generous Sunshine

Bordeaux displays an average production capacity of 1,250-1,300 kWh/kWc/year, positioning the region in the top third of French cities for solar energy. A 3 kWc residential installation generates 3,750-3,900 kWh annually, covering 70-90% of a household's needs depending on consumption patterns.

Privileged geographical position: Located midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean south, Bordeaux benefits from a transitional climate offering an excellent compromise: generous sunshine without the extreme temperatures of southern France, oceanic mildness tempering the seasons.

Regional comparison: Bordeaux produces 20% more than Paris , 10-15% more than Nantes , and approaches southwestern Mediterranean performance (only 5-10% less than Toulouse or Montpellier ). A remarkable positioning that maximizes profitability.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine Climate Characteristics

Atlantic mildness: Bordeaux's climate is characterized by moderate temperatures year-round. Photovoltaic panels particularly appreciate: hot summers without extreme heat waves (optimizing efficiency), mild winters maintaining respectable production.

Balanced sunshine: Unlike the Mediterranean south where production is highly concentrated in summer, Bordeaux maintains regular year-round production. The gap between summer and winter is 1 to 2.8 (versus 1 to 4 in southern France), facilitating annual self-consumption.

Productive transitional seasons: Bordeaux's spring and autumn are particularly generous with 320-400 kWh monthly for a 3 kWc installation. These extended periods compensate for slightly less intense summer production than on the French Riviera.

Oceanic influence: The Atlantic's proximity brings particular luminosity and tempers temperature variations, creating ideal conditions for photovoltaic equipment longevity.

Calculate your solar production in Bordeaux

Configuring PVGIS for Your Bordeaux Rooftop

Nouvelle-Aquitaine Climate Data

PVGIS integrates over 20 years of meteorological history for the Bordeaux region, capturing the specificities of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine climate:

Annual irradiation: 1,350-1,400 kWh/m²/year on average in the Bordeaux region, placing Nouvelle-Aquitaine among France's sunniest regions.

Geographic variations: The Aquitaine basin presents relative homogeneity. Coastal areas (Arcachon Basin, Landes coast) and inland areas (Bordeaux, Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne) display similar performance (±3-5%).

Typical monthly production (3 kWc installation, Bordeaux):

• Summer (June-August): 480-540 kWh/month
• Spring/Autumn (March-May, Sept-Oct): 320-400 kWh/month
• Winter (Nov-Feb): 160-200 kWh/month

This balanced distribution is a major asset: significant year-round production rather than concentrated over 3 months, optimizing self-consumption and overall profitability.

Optimal Parameters for Bordeaux

Orientation: In Bordeaux, south-facing orientation remains optimal. However, southeast or southwest orientations maintain 92-95% of maximum production, offering great architectural flexibility.

Bordeaux specificity: A slightly southwest orientation (azimuth 200-220°) can be interesting to capture sunny Aquitaine afternoons, particularly in summer. PVGIS allows modeling these options to optimize according to your consumption.

Tilt angle: The optimal angle in Bordeaux is 32-34° to maximize annual production. Traditional Bordeaux roofs (mechanical tiles, 30-35° slope) are naturally close to this optimum.

For flat roofs (numerous in Bordeaux's commercial and tertiary zones), a 20-25° tilt offers an excellent compromise between production (loss <3%) and aesthetics/wind resistance.

Adapted technologies: Standard monocrystalline panels (19-21% efficiency) are perfectly suited to Bordeaux's climate. Premium technologies (PERC, bifacial) can provide marginal gains (+3-5%) justifiable on limited surfaces or high-end projects.

Integrating System Losses

PVGIS's standard 14% loss rate is relevant for Bordeaux. This rate includes:

• Wiring losses: 2-3%
• Inverter efficiency: 3-5%
• Soiling: 2-3% (Atlantic rains ensure effective natural cleaning)
• Thermal losses: 5-6% (moderate summer temperatures vs Mediterranean south)

For well-maintained installations with premium equipment and regular cleaning, you can adjust to 12-13%. Bordeaux's temperate climate minimizes thermal losses.

Bordeaux Architecture and Photovoltaics

Traditional Gironde Housing

Bordeaux stone: Characteristic Bordeaux architecture in blonde stone features mechanical tile roofs, 30-35° slope. Available surface: 35-50 m² allowing 5-8 kWc installation. Panel integration preserves architectural harmony.

Bordeaux échoppes: These typical single-story houses generally offer 25-40 m² of roofing. Perfect for 4-6 kWc residential installations producing 5,000-7,800 kWh/year.

Wine châteaux: The Bordeaux region has countless wine estates with winery buildings, hangars, and outbuildings offering significant surfaces for photovoltaics. Environmental image becomes a commercial argument for prestigious estates.

Suburban and Metropolitan Areas

Bordeaux outskirts (Mérignac, Pessac, Talence, Bègles): Recent housing developments present pavilions with optimized 30-45 m² roofs. Typical production: 3,750-5,850 kWh/year for 3-4.5 kWc installed.

Dynamic metropolis: Bordeaux Métropole is developing rapidly with numerous eco-districts systematically integrating photovoltaics (Ginko at Bordeaux-Lac, Darwin at Bastide).

Arcachon Basin: The Aquitaine coastal zone presents excellent potential with optimal sunshine and numerous villas. However, beware of salt corrosion for seaside installations (<500m).

Wine Sector and Image

Bordeaux vineyards: The world's leading wine region by value, Bordeaux has over 7,000 châteaux and estates. Photovoltaics are developing there for:

Energy savings: Air-conditioned cellars, pumps, and winemaking facilities consume significantly. Solar self-consumption reduces costs.

Environmental image: In a demanding international market, environmental commitment becomes differentiating. Many estates communicate about their solar production ("organic wine and green energy").

Environmental certifications: Certain wine certifications (organic, biodynamic, HVE) value renewable energy integration.

Regulatory Constraints

Protected sector: Bordeaux's historic center (UNESCO) imposes strict constraints. The Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF) must validate projects. Favor discreet panels and building-integrated systems.

Classified wine zones: Certain prestigious appellations (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol) are in protected sectors. Installations must respect landscape harmony.

Condominium regulations: As in any metropolis, verify the rules. Attitudes are favorable in Bordeaux, a city committed to ecological transition.

Bordeaux Case Studies

Case 1: Échoppe in Caudéran

Context: Typical Bordeaux house, family of 4, comprehensive energy renovation, self-consumption objective.

Configuration:

• Surface: 30 m²
• Power: 4.5 kWc (12 panels 375 Wc)
• Orientation: South-Southwest (azimuth 190°)
• Tilt: 32° (mechanical tiles)

PVGIS simulation:

• Annual production: 5,625 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,250 kWh/kWc
• Summer production: 730 kWh in July
• Winter production: 260 kWh in December

Profitability:

• Investment: €10,800 (after subsidies, comprehensive renovation)
• Self-consumption: 58% (work-from-home presence)
• Annual savings: €730
• Surplus sales: +€240
• Return on investment: 11.1 years
• 25-year gain: €14,450
• DPE improvement (class C achieved)

Lesson: Bordeaux échoppes offer ideal roofs for photovoltaics. Coupling with comprehensive renovation (insulation, ventilation) maximizes savings and significantly improves energy performance.

Case 2: Tertiary Business Bordeaux-Lac

Context: Services sector offices, recent eco-designed building, high daytime consumption.

Configuration:

• Surface: 400 m² flat roof
• Power: 72 kWc
• Orientation: Due south (25° frame)
• Tilt: 25° (production/aesthetics compromise)

PVGIS simulation:

• Annual production: 88,200 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,225 kWh/kWc
• Self-consumption rate: 85% (continuous daytime activity)

Profitability:

• Investment: €108,000
• Self-consumption: 75,000 kWh at €0.18/kWh
• Annual savings: €13,500 + sales €1,700
• Return on investment: 7.1 years
• CSR communication (important in Bordeaux market)

Lesson: Bordeaux's tertiary sector (services, commerce, consulting) presents an excellent profile. Eco-districts like Bordeaux-Lac systematically integrate photovoltaics in new buildings.

Case 3: Wine Château in Médoc

Context: Classified estate, air-conditioned cellar, strong environmental sensitivity, international export.

Configuration:

• Surface: 250 m² technical cellar roof
• Power: 45 kWc
• Orientation: Southeast (existing building)
• Tilt: 30°

PVGIS simulation:

• Annual production: 55,400 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,231 kWh/kWc
• Self-consumption rate: 62% (cellar air conditioning)

Profitability:

• Investment: €72,000
• Self-consumption: 34,300 kWh at €0.16/kWh
• Annual savings: €5,500 + sales €2,700
• Return on investment: 8.8 years
• Marketing value: "Eco-responsible château"
• Export commercial argument (sensitive Nordic markets)

Lesson: Bordeaux vineyards are massively developing photovoltaics. Beyond savings, environmental image becomes a major sales argument in demanding international markets.

Self-Consumption in Bordeaux

Bordeaux Consumption Profiles

Bordeaux lifestyle directly influences self-consumption opportunities:

Moderate air conditioning: Unlike the Mediterranean south, air conditioning remains optional in Bordeaux (hot but bearable summers). When present, it consumes moderately and partially aligns with summer production.

Electric heating: Common in Bordeaux housing, but moderate needs thanks to mild climate. Heat pumps are developing. Solar production during transitional seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) can partially cover light heating needs.

Residential pools: Numerous in the Bordeaux region (favorable climate). Filtration and heating consume 1,500-2,500 kWh/year (April-September), a period of high solar production. Schedule filtration during daytime to self-consume.

Electric water heater: Standard in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Switching heating to daytime hours (instead of off-peak) allows self-consuming 300-500 kWh/year.

Growing remote work: Bordeaux, an attractive tertiary metropolis (IT, services), is experiencing strong remote work development. Daytime presence increases self-consumption from 40% to 55-65%.

Optimization for Aquitaine Climate

Smart programming: With over 200 sunny days, programming energy-intensive appliances (washing machine, dishwasher) during daytime (11am-4pm) is very effective in Bordeaux.

Heat pump coupling: For air/water heat pumps, transitional season solar production (March-May, Sept-Oct: 320-400 kWh/month) partially covers moderate heating needs. Size accordingly.

Electric vehicle: Bordeaux actively develops electric mobility (electric TBM, numerous charging stations). Solar charging of an EV absorbs 2,000-3,000 kWh/year, optimizing surplus self-consumption.

Pool management: Schedule filtration mid-day (12pm-4pm) during swimming season (May-September). Combine with electric heater running on solar surplus.

Realistic Self-Consumption Rates

• Without optimization: 40-48% for household absent during day
• With programming: 52-62% (appliances, water heater)
• With remote work: 55-68% (daytime presence)
• With pool: 60-72% (summer daytime filtration)
• With electric vehicle: 62-75% (daytime charging)
• With battery: 75-85% (investment +€6,000-8,000)

In Bordeaux, a 55-65% self-consumption rate is realistic with moderate optimization, excellent for western-southern France.

Local Dynamics and Energy Transition

Committed Bordeaux Métropole

Bordeaux positions itself among France's pioneering metropolises in energy transition:

Climate Energy Plan: The metropolis aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 with ambitious renewable energy objectives.

Eco-districts: Ginko (Bordeaux-Lac), Darwin (right bank), Bastide develop sustainable neighborhoods systematically integrating photovoltaics.

Urban renovation: Bordeaux heritage renovation projects increasingly integrate renewable energies, even in UNESCO protected sectors.

Citizen awareness: Bordeaux's population displays strong environmental sensitivity. Local associations (Bordeaux en Transition, Énergies Partagées) promote citizen photovoltaics.

Committed Wine Sector

Bordeaux's wine industry is massively engaging in energy transition:

Environmental certifications: HVE (High Environmental Value), organic farming, biodynamics are multiplying. Photovoltaics fit into this comprehensive approach.

Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB): Supports estates in their energy projects, including photovoltaics.

International image: In export markets (USA, UK, Nordic countries, Asia), environmental commitment becomes a differentiating commercial argument. Estates actively communicate about their solar installations.

Wine cooperatives: Bordeaux wine cooperatives, with their vast cellar roofs, develop large-scale photovoltaic projects (100-500 kWc).

Choosing an Installer in Bordeaux

Mature Bordeaux Market

Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine concentrate numerous qualified installers, creating a dynamic and competitive market.

Selection Criteria

RGE certification: Mandatory for national subsidies. Verify photovoltaic certification validity on France Rénov'.

Local experience: An installer familiar with Aquitaine climate knows the specificities: temperate climate (standard materials), local regulations (UNESCO, wine zones), consumption profiles.

Sector references: Ask for examples in your sector (residential, wine, tertiary). For wine estates, favor an installer who has already worked with châteaux.

Consistent PVGIS estimate: In Bordeaux, a yield of 1,220-1,300 kWh/kWc is realistic. Be wary of announcements >1,350 kWh/kWc (overestimation) or <1,200 kWh/kWc (too conservative).

Quality equipment:

• Panels: Tier 1 European brands, 25-year production warranty
• Inverter: reliable brands (SMA, Fronius, Huawei, SolarEdge)
• Structure: aluminum or stainless steel for coastal zones (<5km from sea)

Complete warranties:

• Valid 10-year liability (request certificate)
• Workmanship warranty: 2-5 years
• Responsive local after-sales service
• Production monitoring included

Bordeaux Market Prices

• Residential (3-9 kWc): €2,000-2,600/kWc installed
• SME/Tertiary (10-50 kWc): €1,500-2,000/kWc
• Wine/Agricultural (>50 kWc): €1,200-1,600/kWc

Competitive prices thanks to a mature and dense market. Slightly lower than Paris, comparable to other major regional metropolises.

Points of Vigilance

Reference verification: For wine estates, request château references that have installed. Contact them for feedback.

Detailed quote: The quote must specify all items (detailed equipment, installation, procedures, connection). Beware of "all-inclusive" quotes without detail.

Production commitment: Some serious installers guarantee PVGIS yield (±5-10%). It's a sign of confidence in their sizing.

Financial Aid in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

2025 National Aid

Self-consumption premium (paid year 1):

• ≤ 3 kWc: €300/kWc i.e. €900
• ≤ 9 kWc: €230/kWc i.e. €2,070 max
• ≤ 36 kWc: €200/kWc

EDF OA buyback rate: €0.13/kWh for surplus (≤9kWc), guaranteed 20-year contract.

Reduced VAT: 10% for ≤3kWc on buildings >2 years old (20% beyond).

Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region Aid

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region actively supports renewable energies:

Energy program: Additional aid for individuals and professionals (variable amounts according to annual budget, typically €400-700).

Comprehensive renovation bonus: Increase if photovoltaics are part of a complete energy renovation project (insulation, heating).

Wine aid: Specific schemes for wine operations via Gironde Agriculture Chamber.

Consult the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region website or France Rénov' Bordeaux to learn about current schemes.

Bordeaux Métropole Aid

Bordeaux Métropole (28 municipalities) offers:

• Occasional subsidies for energy transition
• Technical support via the local energy agency
• Bonuses for innovative projects (collective self-consumption)

Contact Espace Info Énergie Bordeaux Métropole for information.

Complete Financing Example

4.5 kWc installation in Bordeaux:

• Gross cost: €10,500
• Self-consumption premium: -€1,350 (4.5 kWc × €300)
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region aid: -€500 (if available)
• CEE: -€320
• Net cost: €8,330
• Annual production: 5,625 kWh
• 58% self-consumption: 3,260 kWh saved at €0.20
• Savings: €650/year + surplus sales €310/year
• ROI: 8.7 years

Over 25 years, net gain exceeds €15,700, excellent profitability for western-southern France.

Frequently Asked Questions - Solar in Bordeaux

Does Bordeaux have enough sun for photovoltaics?

Yes! With 1,250-1,300 kWh/kWc/year, Bordeaux ranks in France's top third. Production is 20% higher than Paris and approaches southwestern Mediterranean levels. Bordeaux's temperate climate even optimizes panel efficiency (no excessive summer overheating).

Isn't the oceanic climate too humid?

No, humidity doesn't affect modern panels designed to withstand weather. Atlantic rains even ensure effective natural cleaning, maintaining optimal production without intervention. An advantage rather than a drawback!

Does photovoltaics add value to a wine estate?

Absolutely! In export markets (USA, UK, Nordic countries, China), environmental commitment becomes a differentiating commercial argument. Many Bordeaux châteaux communicate about their solar production. Beyond image, savings on cellar air conditioning are real.

Can you install in a UNESCO sector?

Yes, but with the Architecte des Bâtiments de France's opinion. Bordeaux's historic center imposes aesthetic constraints: discreet black panels, building integration, invisibility from the street. Solutions exist to reconcile heritage and renewable energies.

What winter production in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux maintains good winter production thanks to Atlantic mildness: 160-200 kWh/month for 3 kWc. That's 20-30% more than Paris in winter. Gray days are compensated by numerous winter sunny spells.

Do panels withstand Atlantic storms?

Yes, if properly sized. A serious installer calculates wind loads according to climate zone. Modern panels and fasteners withstand gusts >150 km/h. Ocean storms pose no problem for compliant installations.

Professional Tools for Nouvelle-Aquitaine

For installers, engineering firms, and developers operating in Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, PVGIS24 provides essential features:

Sector simulations: Model the region's varied profiles (residential, wine, tertiary, agricultural) to precisely size each installation.

Personalized financial analyses: Integrate Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional aid, local specificities (electricity prices, consumption profiles), for adapted ROI calculations.

Portfolio management: For Bordeaux installers handling 50-80 annual projects, PVGIS24 PRO (€299/year, 300 credits, 2 users) represents less than €4 per study.

Château reports: Generate polished PDF documents adapted to demanding wine clientele, with detailed financial analyses and environmental communication.

Discover PVGIS24 for professionals

Take Action in Bordeaux

Step 1: Evaluate Your Potential

Start with a free PVGIS simulation for your Bordeaux roof. See Nouvelle-Aquitaine's excellent yield (1,250-1,300 kWh/kWc).

Free PVGIS calculator

Step 2: Verify Constraints

• Consult your municipality's PLU (Bordeaux or metropolis)
• Check protected sectors (UNESCO center, classified wine zones)
• For condominiums, consult regulations

Step 3: Compare Offers

Request 3-4 quotes from Bordeaux RGE installers. Use PVGIS to validate their estimates. For wine estates, favor an installer experienced in the sector.

Step 4: Enjoy Aquitaine Sunshine

Quick installation (1-2 days), simplified procedures, production from Enedis connection (2-3 months). Each sunny day becomes a source of savings.

Conclusion: Bordeaux, Southwest Solar Excellence

With exceptional sunshine (1,250-1,300 kWh/kWc/year), a temperate climate optimizing panel efficiency, and strong local dynamics (committed metropolis, sensitized vineyards), Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine offer remarkable conditions for photovoltaics.

Returns on investment of 8-11 years are excellent, and 25-year gains frequently exceed €15,000-20,000 for average residential installations. The wine and tertiary sectors benefit from even shorter ROIs (7-9 years).

PVGIS provides you with precise data to implement your project. Don't leave your roof unexploited: each year without panels represents €650-900 in lost savings depending on your installation.

Bordeaux's geographical position, between Atlantic and Mediterranean, offers the best of both worlds: generous southern sunshine without extreme temperatures, oceanic mildness preserving equipment. An ideal position to maximize production and profitability.

Start your solar simulation in Bordeaux

Production data are based on PVGIS statistics for Bordeaux (44.84°N, -0.58°W) and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Use the calculator with your exact parameters for a personalized estimate of your rooftop.