Solar Energy Generation in Carrick-on-Suir, Munster, Ireland

Carrick-on-Suir, Munster, Ireland, located at coordinates 52.3456, -7.4161 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderate opportunity for solar PV energy generation with significant seasonal variations. This small Irish town experiences typical temperate maritime climate conditions that affect solar production throughout the year. The seasonal output data reveals a substantial difference between summer and winter production. During summer months, solar panels in Carrick-on-Suir can generate approximately 5.33kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. This drops dramatically to just 0.96kWh per day during winter months. Spring offers good generation potential at 4.35kWh per day, while autumn provides moderate output at 2.04kWh per day.

Seasonal Variations and Optimal Production Periods

The most productive period for solar generation in Carrick-on-Suir is clearly the summer season, when panels produce more than five times the energy compared to winter months. Spring represents the second most productive season, with autumn offering moderate generation and winter showing minimal output. This pronounced seasonal variation means that a solar PV system in Carrick-on-Suir will produce approximately 70% of its annual energy during the spring and summer months combined. The six-month period from April through September represents the optimal production window for solar energy at this location.

Panel Installation Considerations

For a fixed panel installation at this location, the ideal angle to tilt panels to maximize total year-round production is 44 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize annual solar production based on Carrick-on-Suir's geographical position, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and seasonal sun path variations.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several environmental factors can impact solar production in Carrick-on-Suir:

• Cloud cover is significant in Ireland's maritime climate, with frequent overcast conditions reducing direct sunlight exposure
• Rainfall and humidity can temporarily decrease panel efficiency and cause dirt accumulation
• Morning fog, particularly in autumn and winter, can delay the start of effective daily production
• Potential shading from nearby trees, buildings or topographical features specific to the installation site

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented. Installing panels with micro-inverters or power optimizers helps minimize the impact of partial shading. Regular cleaning schedules are important to remove dirt and debris, particularly after extended rainy periods. Selecting high-quality panels with good low-light performance will improve generation during overcast conditions. Additionally, careful site selection that avoids potential shading from trees or buildings is crucial for maximizing energy capture. While Carrick-on-Suir may not offer ideal solar conditions compared to sunnier regions, proper system design with the correct tilt angle and preventative measures can still provide meaningful energy production, particularly during the extended daylight hours of spring and summer.

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 Carrick-on-Suir

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.3456, Longitude: -7.4161 (Carrick-on-Suir, 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 44° South in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.3456, -7.4161) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 44° 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 Carrick-on-Suir, 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 Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
36° South in Summer	56° South in Autumn	66° South in Winter	44° 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 Carrick-on-Suir, 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 Carrick-on-Suir, 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 Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland

The topography around Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary, Ireland presents a diverse landscape characterized by river valleys, rolling hills, and modest mountains. The town itself sits in the fertile valley of the River Suir, which winds through the region and has shaped much of the surrounding terrain over millennia. This valley forms a natural lowland corridor that extends east-west through the area.

Valley and Riverlands

Carrick-on-Suir occupies a strategic position in the Suir Valley, with the river itself forming a significant geographical feature. The valley floor around the town is relatively flat, with broad expanses of level ground extending outward from the riverbanks. This alluvial plain has historically been valuable agricultural land due to its fertility and accessibility. The River Suir, flowing eastward toward Waterford and the sea, has created this wide, flat valley bottom that contrasts with the more elevated terrain to the north and south.

Northern Uplands

To the north of Carrick-on-Suir rise the Slievenamon Mountains, with Slievenamon itself (the "Mountain of the Women" in Irish folklore) standing as the most prominent peak at approximately 721 meters. This mountain forms part of a broader upland area that creates a distinctive backdrop to the town when viewed from the south. The slopes of these uplands are generally moderate at lower elevations, gradually becoming steeper toward the summit. The transition from valley to upland is characterized by gently rising foothills that offer varied aspects and elevations.

Southern Highlands

South of the Suir Valley, the landscape rises again into the Comeragh Mountains, which extend into neighboring County Waterford. These mountains feature more dramatic topography in places, with steep slopes and some notable corrie lakes. The northern reaches of the Comeraghs that are closest to Carrick-on-Suir are characterized by rolling hills rather than the more rugged terrain found further south in the range.

Solar PV Potential Areas

When considering areas most suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic development near Carrick-on-Suir, several factors related to topography become important. The most promising locations would generally include: The level valley floors on either side of the River Suir offer extensive flat terrain that would minimize installation costs and complexity for large solar arrays. These areas, particularly on the slightly elevated terraces above the immediate flood plain, provide good potential sites with minimal shading concerns. The broad, open nature of the valley means these locations receive consistent sunlight throughout the day. South-facing slopes in the transitional zones between the valley floor and the higher uplands present excellent opportunities for solar development. These gentle inclines to the north of the river and south of Slievenamon mountain receive favorable sunlight exposure throughout the day. The moderate gradient of these areas allows for efficient panel placement while potentially increasing direct solar radiation compared to completely flat terrain. Elevated plateaus and broader hill shoulders in the lower reaches of both the northern and southern uplands could also be suitable. These areas often feature relatively level ground at higher elevations, potentially offering good exposure while avoiding the steeper, more environmentally sensitive mountain slopes. Areas to the east and west of Carrick-on-Suir, following the broader Suir Valley corridor, contain agricultural land with favorable topography for solar development. These locations generally feature gently undulating terrain with good drainage and minimal risk of flooding. It's worth noting that while topography is favorable in many areas surrounding Carrick-on-Suir, other considerations beyond physical landscape would influence final site selection for large-scale solar development, including existing land use, grid connection possibilities, environmental designations, and visual impact on the scenic landscape that characterizes this part of Ireland.

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.