Birr, Leinster, Ireland, situated at latitude 53.0921 and longitude -7.9117, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impact its overall suitability for year-round solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The location's solar energy potential fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.34 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.07 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 0.96 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Birr is most suitable for solar energy generation during the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer. The site's potential is significantly compromised during the darker autumn and winter months, which could pose challenges for consistent year-round energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy capture at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 45 degrees facing south. This orientation helps optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Birr:

1. Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Regular precipitation in the region may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, decreasing their effectiveness.

To mitigate these issues, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions.
• Install a reliable cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to maintain panel efficiency.
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during the less productive months.

While Birr's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can help optimize the system's performance. The site's strong summer and spring output could potentially offset the weaker autumn and winter months, making it a viable option for supplementary energy generation.

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 Birr

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.0921, Longitude: -7.9117 (Birr, 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:

Average 5.21kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.07kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.96kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.34kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 45° South in Birr, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Birr, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.0921, -7.9117) 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.

At Latitude: 53.0921, Longitude: -7.9117, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 45° South

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

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 Birr, 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 Birr, 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 Birr, Ireland

The area around Birr, Ireland, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of the Irish Midlands. Situated in County Offaly, Birr is located in a relatively low-lying region with subtle variations in elevation. The town itself sits at an altitude of about 50 meters (164 feet) above sea level.

The surrounding countryside features a mix of agricultural land, pastures, and scattered woodlands. The terrain is generally flat to undulating, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys. The River Camcor flows through Birr, joining the Little Brosna River just south of the town, adding some minor topographical features to the landscape.

To the northwest of Birr, the land gradually rises towards the Slieve Bloom Mountains, which form a natural boundary between Counties Offaly and Laois. These mountains, while not particularly high by global standards (the highest peak is about 527 meters or 1,729 feet), represent the most significant elevation change in the vicinity of Birr.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be the open, flat agricultural lands surrounding Birr. These areas offer several advantages:

1. Minimal shading from natural features or buildings
2. Easy access for construction and maintenance
3. Generally south-facing aspects, which are ideal for solar energy capture
4. Relatively low ecological impact compared to more sensitive habitats

Specifically, the gently sloping fields to the south and southeast of Birr would be particularly well-suited for solar PV installations. These areas receive good sun exposure throughout the day and have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels.

However, it's important to note that while the topography around Birr is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local planning regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility and exact location of any large-scale solar projects in the area.

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.

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