Solar PV Analysis of Charleville, Ireland
Charleville, Munster, Ireland, situated at latitude 52.3516 and longitude -8.6779, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Charleville, Munster, with an average daily output of 5.11 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.42 kWh per day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.06 kWh per day, and plummets to a mere 1.04 kWh per day in winter.
These figures highlight the substantial difference between the peak and trough of solar energy production in Charleville. The long summer days provide ample sunlight for energy generation, while the short, often overcast winter days significantly limit solar potential.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Charleville, Munster, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the town's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Charleville:
- Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Charleville experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel performance and require more frequent cleaning.
- Short winter days: The limited daylight hours during winter months drastically reduce energy production potential.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to combat the effects of rainfall and potential dirt accumulation.
- Implement a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during the limited winter daylight hours.
- Consider complementing the solar PV system with other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, to ensure a more consistent year-round energy supply.
While Charleville's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable option for supplementing energy needs, particularly during the more favorable spring and summer months.
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 Charleville
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.3516, Longitude: -8.6779 (Charleville, 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 Charleville, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Charleville, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.3516, -8.6779) 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 Charleville, 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 Charleville, 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 Charleville, 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 Charleville, 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 Charleville, Ireland
The area around Charleville, Ireland, located at latitude 52.3516 and longitude -8.6779, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the southern Irish landscape. This region, situated in County Cork near the border with County Limerick, features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat agricultural lands.
The topography is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 200 meters above sea level. The terrain is primarily composed of fertile lowlands, interspersed with small streams and rivers that have carved shallow valleys over time. The landscape is predominantly rural, with a patchwork of fields, pastures, and scattered woodlands.
To the north and east of Charleville, the land gradually rises towards the Ballyhoura Mountains, which form a natural boundary between Cork and Limerick counties. However, these mountains are relatively modest in height, with the highest peak reaching just over 500 meters.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors should be considered. The most suitable locations would typically be:
- Areas of relatively flat or gently sloping land, which are abundant in the agricultural regions surrounding Charleville.
- South-facing slopes, which receive more direct sunlight throughout the day and year.
- Locations away from significant shading sources such as tall buildings or dense forests.
- Areas with good access to the electrical grid for easy power distribution.
Given these criteria, the open farmlands to the south and west of Charleville could potentially be suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas often feature expansive, unobstructed fields that could accommodate solar panel arrays. However, it's important to note that specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations, taking into account factors such as local planning regulations, environmental considerations, and the capacity of the existing electrical infrastructure.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 5th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
