Solar PV Analysis of Carrickmacross, Ireland
Carrickmacross, Ulster, Ireland, situated at latitude 53.9728 and longitude -6.7056, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the effectiveness of solar PV installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Carrickmacross varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.34 kWh per day. However, there's a sharp decline in production during autumn and winter, with outputs of 2.07 kWh and 0.96 kWh per day, respectively.
These figures indicate that solar PV systems in Carrickmacross are most effective from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to higher energy yields. Conversely, the winter months see significantly reduced production due to shorter days and increased cloud cover.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Carrickmacross, Ulster, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 46 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun angle with the higher summer sun position.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Carrickmacross:
- Cloud Cover: Ireland's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar output, especially in autumn and winter.
- Rainfall: The region experiences regular rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for diffuse light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance.
- Consider micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system output.
While Carrickmacross may not offer ideal conditions for solar PV compared to sunnier locations, proper system design and maintenance can still yield substantial energy production, particularly during the summer months. The significant seasonal variations underscore the importance of complementary energy sources or storage solutions to ensure consistent power supply throughout the year.
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 Carrickmacross
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.9728, Longitude: -6.7056 (Carrickmacross, 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 46° South in Carrickmacross, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Carrickmacross, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.9728, -6.7056) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Carrickmacross, 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 Carrickmacross, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° 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 | 46° 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 Carrickmacross, 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 Carrickmacross, Ireland.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Carrickmacross, Ireland
The area around Carrickmacross, Ireland, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the drumlin belt that stretches across much of the north-central part of the island. Drumlins are small, elongated hills formed by glacial activity during the last ice age, creating a landscape often described as "basket of eggs" topography.
The terrain in this region is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 50 to 150 meters above sea level. The land is a patchwork of fields, pastures, and small woodlands, interspersed with numerous small lakes and ponds known locally as "loughs." The area is drained by several small rivers and streams, which are part of the larger Fane River system.
While the undulating nature of the drumlin landscape can present some challenges for large-scale development, there are areas in the vicinity of Carrickmacross that could potentially be suitable for solar PV installations. The most promising locations would likely be found on the broader, flatter areas between the drumlins, particularly in fields currently used for agriculture.
Areas to the south and southeast of Carrickmacross might be especially well-suited for solar PV development, as they tend to have slightly more open, level ground. These areas also benefit from being further from the town center, reducing potential conflicts with residential or commercial zones.
However, it's important to note that Ireland's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and relatively low levels of direct sunlight, presents challenges for solar energy production. Any large-scale solar PV project in this area would need to carefully consider these factors, along with local planning regulations and environmental impact assessments.
Additionally, the rich agricultural heritage of the region and the scenic nature of the drumlin landscape might lead to resistance against large-scale solar developments. Therefore, any potential projects would need to balance energy production goals with preservation of the local environment and rural character of 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 3rd of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
