Athy, Leinster, Ireland, situated at latitude 52.989 and longitude -6.9851, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Athy, Leinster, with an impressive daily output of 5.39 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.42 kWh per day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.10 kWh per day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 1.01 kWh daily.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the more favorable periods. The extended daylight hours and generally clearer skies from late spring through early autumn make this the ideal time for solar energy generation in Athy.

Optimal Panel Installation

To achieve the best year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and Athy's specific geographical position.

Environmental Considerations

While Athy's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could impact efficiency:

• Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar output.
• Rainfall: Regular precipitation may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing their efficiency.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions.

2. Install a reliable cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to keep panels free from dirt and debris.

3. Implement a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues affecting output.

By addressing these factors, solar installations in Athy can maximize their energy production potential, despite the seasonal variations and environmental challenges.

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 104 locations across Ireland. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Ireland by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Athy

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.989, Longitude: -6.9851 (Athy, Ireland), 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 45° South in Athy, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Athy, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.989, -6.9851) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Athy, Ireland

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 Athy, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
37° South in Summer	57° South in Autumn	67° South in Winter	45° 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 Athy, Ireland

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 Athy, Ireland.

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 Athy, Ireland

The topography around Athy, Ireland, is characterized by gently rolling lowlands typical of the Irish Midlands. Located in County Kildare, Athy sits in the heart of a relatively flat landscape, with the River Barrow flowing through the town. The surrounding area consists of a patchwork of agricultural fields, pastures, and scattered woodlands. The terrain in this region is predominantly composed of fertile plains, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys. The elevation generally ranges from about 50 to 100 meters above sea level, with few significant variations. This relatively flat landscape is a result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which smoothed out much of the terrain and deposited rich soils across the area.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently undulating landscape around Athy offers numerous potential sites for solar farms. The open, agricultural nature of the land provides ample space for such developments, with minimal natural obstructions to sunlight. Ideal locations for solar PV installations would be on south-facing slopes or flat areas with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Fields that are currently used for low-yield agriculture or grazing could be particularly suitable, as they often have the necessary infrastructure (such as access roads) already in place. Areas to the south and southeast of Athy might be especially promising, as they tend to have slightly higher elevations and less shade from any hills or forests. These locations would maximize the amount of sunlight received by the solar panels throughout the year. However, it's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV development, other factors such as grid connectivity, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar installations in the vicinity of Athy.

Ireland solar PV Stats as a country

Ireland ranks 83rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 136 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Ireland is generating 27 Watts from solar PV per capita (Ireland ranks 61st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Ireland?

Yes, there are a number of incentives available for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Ireland. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants and other financial support for businesses that wish to install solar PV systems. Additionally, the government has introduced a Feed-in Tariff scheme which pays businesses for any excess electricity they generate from their solar panels. Finally, businesses may be eligible for tax relief on the cost of installing a solar system through the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Ireland? 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.