PVGIS Solar Strasbourg: Solar Production in Eastern France

The Solar Potential of Strasbourg and Grand Est

Contrasting but Effective Sunshine

Strasbourg displays an average output of 1,050-1,150 kWh/kWc/year, positioning the region at the French average. A residential installation of 3 kWc generates 3,150-3,450 kWh per year, covering 60-80% of a household's needs depending on consumption profile.

Alsatian continental climate: Strasbourg features hot, sunny summers with very bright days (up to 15 hours of daylight in June). This strong summer irradiation partially compensates for weaker winter sunshine. Cool spring/autumn temperatures optimize panel efficiency.

Regional comparison: Strasbourg produces slightly less than Lyon (-8 to -12%), but matches Paris levels and outperforms northern regions. Grand Est ranks favorably in the northern half of France for solar.

Grand Est Climate Characteristics

Bright summers: Strasbourg's June-July-August months are exceptional with often clear skies and intense luminosity. Monthly production of 450-520 kWh for a 3 kWc installation, among France's best summer performances.

Harsh winters: Unlike the south or west, the Alsatian winter is pronounced (possible snow, freezing temperatures). Production drops to 100-140 kWh monthly in December-January. However, cold, sunny days offer excellent efficiency (panels more efficient in cold weather).

Productive transitional seasons: Alsatian spring and autumn combine decent sunshine with cool temperatures, ideal conditions for panels. Production of 250-350 kWh monthly in April-May and September-October.

Rhine influence: The Rhine valley benefits from a drier, sunnier microclimate than the neighboring Vosges. Strasbourg, located in this plain, enjoys more favorable conditions than the surrounding relief.

Calculate your solar production in Strasbourg

Configuring PVGIS for Your Strasbourg Rooftop

Grand Est Climate Data

PVGIS integrates over 20 years of meteorological history for the Strasbourg region, capturing the specifics of the Alsatian continental climate:

Annual irradiation: 1,150-1,200 kWh/m²/year on average in the Alsatian plain. Variations are significant depending on altitude and proximity to the Vosges (relief effect creating shadow zones).

Geographic micro-variations: The Rhine plain (Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse) benefits from the best regional sunshine. Vosges valleys and the Lorraine plateau receive 10-15% less due to relief and increased cloudiness.

Typical monthly production (3 kWc installation, Strasbourg):

• Summer (June-Aug): 450-520 kWh/month
• Spring/Autumn (Mar-May, Sept-Oct): 250-340 kWh/month
• Winter (Nov-Feb): 100-140 kWh/month

This strong seasonality is characteristic of continental climate. Summer concentrates 45-50% of annual production, requiring optimization of summer self-consumption.

Optimal Parameters for Strasbourg

Orientation: In Strasbourg, due south orientation remains ideal and maximizes annual production. Southeast or southwest orientations retain 89-93% of maximum production.

Alsatian specificity: Slightly southeast orientation (azimuth 150-160°) can be interesting to capture the very bright summer mornings in Alsace. PVGIS allows modeling these variations.

Tilt: The optimal angle in Strasbourg is 35-37° to maximize annual production, slightly higher than southern France to better capture the lower winter sun.

Traditional Alsatian rooftops (40-50° slope for snow evacuation) are close to optimal. This steep inclination even improves winter production and facilitates natural snow evacuation.

Adapted technologies: Standard monocrystalline panels work well. Technologies performing well in cold weather (low temperature coefficient) can provide a marginal gain (+2-3%) interesting for the Alsatian climate.

Managing Winter Conditions

Snow: Strasbourg snowfalls remain moderate (10-15 days/year). On inclined roofs (>35°), snow slides naturally. On flat roofs, light manual snow removal may be necessary 2-3 times per winter.

Freezing temperatures: Contrary to popular belief, cold improves panel efficiency! On a sunny day at -5°C, panels produce 5-8% more than at 25°C. Alsatian winters alternate gray periods (low production) and cold sunny days (excellent efficiency).

System losses: The PVGIS rate of 14% is appropriate for Strasbourg. Moderate summer temperatures (rarely >32°C) limit thermal losses compared to southern France.

Alsatian Architecture and Photovoltaics

Traditional Alsatian Housing

Half-timbered houses: Typical Alsatian architecture features steep roofs (45-50°) with flat tiles. Generally modest surface area (25-40 m²) allowing 4-6 kWc. Integration must preserve architectural character, particularly in historic centers.

Winemaker houses: Alsatian wine villages (wine route) have beautiful residences with interior courtyards and outbuildings offering interesting roof surfaces.

Suburban houses: The Strasbourg ring (Schiltigheim, Illkirch, Lingolsheim) concentrates modern developments with optimized roofs of 30-45 m². Typical production: 3,150-4,600 kWh/year for 3-4 kWc.

German Influence and High Standards

Proximity to Germany: Strasbourg, a border city, benefits from German influence in photovoltaics (Germany is the European leader). Quality standards are high and Alsatian installers are often trained in best Germanic practices.

Premium equipment: The Alsatian market favors German or European equipment known for reliability (German panels, SMA inverters, etc.). Superior quality justifying sometimes slightly higher prices.

Installation rigor: Germanic influence translates into careful installations, reinforced structural sizing (snow, wind), and meticulous compliance with standards.

Urban Areas and Commercial Sector

Strasbourg Eurometropolis: The developed tertiary sector (European institutions, administration, services) offers numerous buildings with flat roofs suitable for photovoltaics.

European Parliament, Council of Europe: These institutions are pioneers in renewable energy. Several Strasbourg European buildings are equipped with photovoltaics, leading by example.

Activity zones: Strasbourg has numerous industrial and commercial zones (Port du Rhin, Hautepierre) with warehouses and hangars offering considerable surfaces.

Regulatory Constraints

Protected sector: Strasbourg's Grande Île (UNESCO) imposes strict constraints. The Architect of French Buildings (ABF) must validate any project. Favor discreet panels and building integration.

Classified Alsatian villages: Many wine route villages are protected. Installations must respect architectural harmony (black panels, discretion).

Condominiums: As everywhere, check the condominium regulations. Alsace, an organized region, often has strict regulations but attitudes are evolving favorably.

Strasbourg Case Studies

Case 1: Single-Family Home in Illkirch-Graffenstaden

Context: 1990s house, family of 4, heat pump heating, self-consumption goal.

Configuration:

• Surface: 32 m²
• Power: 5 kWc (13 panels 385 Wp)
• Orientation: South (azimuth 180°)
• Tilt: 40° (tiles)

PVGIS Simulation:

• Annual production: 5,350 kWh
• Specific output: 1,070 kWh/kWc
• Summer production: 700 kWh in July
• Winter production: 210 kWh in December

Profitability:

• Investment: €12,500 (quality equipment, after subsidies)
• Self-consumption: 54% (heat pump mid-season + summer)
• Annual savings: €650
• Surplus sale: +€260
• Return on investment: 13.7 years
• 25-year gain: €10,250

Lesson: Strasbourg's periphery offers good conditions. Photovoltaic/heat pump coupling is relevant: mid-season production (spring/autumn) partially covers moderate heating needs.

Case 2: Commercial Building in European Quarter

Context: Service sector offices, significant daytime consumption, strong environmental commitment.

Configuration:

• Surface: 450 m² flat roof
• Power: 81 kWc
• Orientation: Due south (30° frame)
• Tilt: 30° (optimized production)

PVGIS Simulation:

• Annual production: 85,000 kWh
• Specific output: 1,049 kWh/kWc
• Self-consumption rate: 84% (continuous office activity)

Profitability:

• Investment: €130,000
• Self-consumption: 71,400 kWh at €0.19/kWh
• Annual savings: €13,600 + sale €1,800
• Return on investment: 8.4 years
• CSR communication (important for European sector)

Lesson: Strasbourg's tertiary sector (European institutions, services) presents an excellent profile. Bright summers allow peak production aligned with office air conditioning.

Case 3: Wine Estate on Wine Route

Context: Alsatian wine estate, cellar and storage buildings, moderate consumption but important environmental image.

Configuration:

• Surface: 180 m² cellar roof
• Power: 30 kWc
• Orientation: Southeast (existing building)
• Tilt: 35°

PVGIS Simulation:

• Annual production: 31,200 kWh
• Specific output: 1,040 kWh/kWc
• Self-consumption rate: 48% (moderate consumption outside harvest)

Profitability:

• Investment: €54,000
• Self-consumption: 15,000 kWh at €0.17/kWh
• Annual savings: €2,550 + sale €2,100
• Return on investment: 11.6 years
• "Organic wine and green energy" valorization

Lesson: The Alsatian wine sector develops photovoltaics for its environmental image as much as for savings. Strong marketing arguments with an aware clientele.

Self-Consumption in Continental Climate

Alsatian Consumption Specifics

Alsatian lifestyle and continental climate influence self-consumption opportunities:

Significant heating: Harsh winters mean high heating consumption (November-March). Unfortunately, solar production is low in winter. Heat pumps allow valorizing mid-season production (April-May, September-October).

Limited air conditioning: Unlike the south, air conditioning remains marginal in Strasbourg (hot but short summers). Summer consumption is therefore mainly appliances and lighting, reducing self-consumption potential of production peaks.

Electric water heater: Standard in Alsace. Running the tank during the day (rather than off-peak hours) allows self-consuming 300-500 kWh/year, particularly in summer when production is abundant.

Savings culture: Alsace traditionally displays a culture of rigor and economy. Residents are generally attentive to their consumption and receptive to self-consumption solutions.

Optimization for Continental Climate

Summer programming: Concentrate use of energy-intensive equipment (washing machine, dishwasher, dryer) on summer months (May-August) to maximize self-consumption of high summer production.

Heat pump coupling: For heat pumps, mid-season solar production (March-May, Sept-Oct: 250-350 kWh/month) partially covers light heating needs. Size your installation accordingly (+1 to 2 kWc).

Thermodynamic water heater: Interesting solution in Strasbourg. In summer, the thermodynamic heater warms water with solar electricity. In winter, it recovers calories from indoor air. Effective synergy year-round.

Electric vehicle: Solar charging of an EV is relevant in Strasbourg, especially in summer. An EV absorbs 2,000-3,000 kWh/year, optimizing self-consumption of high summer production.

Realistic Self-Consumption Rate

• Without optimization: 35-45% for household absent during day
• With summer programming: 45-55% (concentration of uses in summer)
• With heat pump and programming: 50-60% (mid-season valorization)
• With electric vehicle: 55-65% (summer charging)
• With battery: 70-80% (investment +€6,000-8,000)

In Strasbourg, a self-consumption rate of 45-55% is realistic with optimization, slightly lower than the south due to the gap between summer production and winter consumption.

German Model Influence

Germany, European Solar Leader

Proximity to Germany positively influences the Alsatian photovoltaic market:

Developed solar culture: Germany has over 2 million photovoltaic installations. This culture naturally spreads to border Alsace, normalizing solar in the landscape.

Quality standards: Alsatian installers often adopt German standards (equipment quality, installation rigor, production monitoring). The level of requirement is high.

Cross-border cooperation: Joint Franco-German photovoltaic research projects, installer training, best practice exchanges.

German equipment: German panels and inverters (Meyer Burger, SMA, Fronius) are very present in the Alsatian market, known for reliability and longevity.

Innovation and Advanced Technologies

Storage batteries: Alsace is pioneering in France for domestic batteries, under German influence. Storage solutions develop faster than elsewhere to compensate for production/consumption seasonality.

Smart management: Monitoring and consumption control systems (home energy management) are more widespread in Alsace, optimizing self-consumption.

Photovoltaic + insulation: Global approach favoring complete energy renovation rather than isolated photovoltaics. This holistic vision, inspired by the German model, maximizes energy efficiency.

Choosing an Installer in Strasbourg

Structured Alsatian Market

Strasbourg and Grand Est concentrate quality installers, influenced by high German standards.

Selection Criteria

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

Local experience: An installer familiar with the Alsatian climate knows the specifics: sizing for snow, winter management, summer production optimization.

Cross-border references: Some Alsatian installers also work in Germany, a guarantee of seriousness and respect for high standards.

Consistent PVGIS estimate: In Strasbourg, an output of 1,030-1,150 kWh/kWc is realistic. Beware of announcements >1,200 kWh/kWc (overestimation) or <1,000 kWh/kWc (too pessimistic).

Quality equipment:

• Panels: favor recognized European brands (German, French)
• Inverter: reliable European brands (SMA, Fronius, SolarEdge)
• Structure: sized for snow loads (zone 2 or 3 depending on altitude)

Enhanced warranties:

• Valid ten-year warranty
• Production guarantee (some installers guarantee PVGIS output ±5%)
• Responsive local after-sales service
• Production monitoring (monitoring included)

Strasbourg Market Prices

• Residential (3-9 kWc): €2,100-2,700/kWc installed
• SME/Commercial (10-50 kWc): €1,600-2,100/kWc
• Industrial (>50 kWc): €1,300-1,700/kWc

Prices slightly higher than national average, justified by equipment quality (often German or premium) and installation constraints (snow, regulatory rigor).

Points of Vigilance

Equipment verification: Request technical sheets of proposed panels and inverters. Favor Tier 1 brands with solid warranties.

Structural sizing: For flat roofs, verify that ballast or fixings are sized for Alsatian snow loads (climate zone E).

Production commitment: A serious installer can guarantee PVGIS output with a tolerance margin (±5-10%). This is a sign of confidence in their sizing.

Financial Aid in Grand Est

2025 National Aid

Self-consumption premium:

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

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

Reduced VAT: 10% for ≤3kWc on buildings >2 years.

Grand Est Region Aid

Grand Est Region supports energy transition:

Renewable energy program: Additional aid for individuals and professionals (amounts vary according to annual project calls, typically €300-600).

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

Consult Grand Est Region website or France Rénov' Strasbourg for current programs.

Strasbourg Eurometropolis Aid

Eurometropolis of Strasbourg (33 municipalities) offers:

• Occasional subsidies for energy transition
• Technical support via Local Energy and Climate Agency (ALEC)
• Bonus for innovative projects (solar/storage coupling, collective self-consumption)

Inquire with ALEC Strasbourg (free support service).

Complete Financing Example

4 kWc installation in Strasbourg:

• Gross cost: €10,000
• Self-consumption premium: -€1,200
• Grand Est Region aid: -€400 (if available)
• CEE: -€300
• Net cost: €8,100
• Annual production: 4,200 kWh
• 52% self-consumption: 2,180 kWh saved at €0.20
• Savings: €435/year + surplus sale €260/year
• ROI: 11.7 years

Over 25 years, net gain exceeds €9,400, decent profitability for eastern France.

Frequently Asked Questions - Solar in Strasbourg

Does Strasbourg have enough sun for photovoltaics?

Yes! With 1,050-1,150 kWh/kWc/year, Strasbourg ranks at the French average and outperforms Paris . Alsatian summers are particularly bright with excellent production (450-520 kWh/month). Photovoltaics are profitable in Strasbourg.

Isn't snow a problem?

No, for several reasons: (1) Alsatian roofs are steep (40-50°), snow slides naturally, (2) snowfalls are moderate (10-15 days/year) and melt quickly, (3) on cold sunny days, panels actually produce better than in warm weather!

Does cold reduce production?

On the contrary! Panels are more efficient in cold weather. On a sunny day at 0°C, panels produce 5-10% more than at 25°C. Alsatian winters offer cold and bright days ideal for photovoltaics.

How to manage the summer production/winter consumption gap?

Several solutions: (1) optimize summer self-consumption (equipment programming), (2) install a heat pump valorizing mid-season production, (3) size to cover summer consumption and sell surplus, (4) consider a battery for autonomy projects.

Are Alsatian installations more expensive?

Slightly (+5 to -10%), justified by equipment quality (often German or premium), reinforced sizing (snow), and installation rigor. This superior quality ensures reliability and longevity.

What lifespan in continental climate?

25-30 years for panels, 10-15 years for inverter. Continental climate is not a problem: panels resist cold, snow, thermal variations. Alsatian installations age very well.

Professional Tools for Grand Est

For installers and engineering firms operating in Strasbourg and Grand Est, PVGIS24 brings essential features:

Continental climate simulations: Model the strong production/consumption seasonality specific to Grand Est to optimally size and advise your clients on self-consumption.

Precise financial analyses: Integrate Grand Est regional aid, local specifics (electricity rates, consumption profiles with significant heating) for realistic ROI calculations.

Complex project management: For Alsatian installers handling residential, commercial, wine, industrial sectors, PVGIS24 PRO (€299/year, 300 credits) offers necessary flexibility.

Quality standards: Generate professional PDF reports conforming to high expectations of the Alsatian market, influenced by German standards.

Discover PVGIS24 for professionals

Take Action in Strasbourg

Step 1: Assess Your Potential

Start with a free PVGIS simulation for your Strasbourg rooftop. See that the output (1,050-1,150 kWh/kWc) is quite profitable despite average sunshine.

Free PVGIS calculator

Step 2: Check Constraints

• Consult your municipality's PLU (Strasbourg or eurometropolis)
• Check protected areas (Grande Île UNESCO, Alsatian villages)
• For condominiums, consult regulations

Step 3: Compare Offers

Request 3-4 quotes from Strasbourg RGE installers. Favor equipment quality and warranties over lowest price. Validate their estimates with PVGIS.

Step 4: Enjoy Alsatian Sun

Quick installation (1-2 days), simplified procedures, production from Enedis connection (2-3 months). Bright Alsatian summers become your source of savings.

Conclusion: Strasbourg, European and Solar Capital

With exceptional summer sunshine, a continental climate favoring panel efficiency in cold weather, and a quality culture inspired by the German model, Strasbourg and Grand Est offer good conditions for photovoltaics.

Returns on investment of 11-14 years are acceptable for eastern France, and the 25-year gain exceeds €9,000-12,000 for an average residential installation. The commercial sector benefits from shorter ROI (8-10 years).

PVGIS provides you with precise data to realize your project. The Alsatian climate, often perceived as unfavorable, actually reveals little-known assets: strong summer production, optimal cold-weather efficiency, and snow rarely problematic on steep roofs.

The influence of the German model, European leader in photovoltaics, guarantees high quality standards in Alsace. Investing in solar in Strasbourg means benefiting from the best of Franco-German expertise.

Start your solar simulation in Strasbourg

Production data are based on PVGIS statistics for Strasbourg (48.58°N, 7.75°E) and Grand Est region. Use the calculator with your exact parameters for a personalized estimate of your rooftop.