The location in Co Kerry, Munster, Ireland, situated at coordinates 52.1667, -9.75, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy production in Co Kerry varies considerably across the seasons. Summer months offer the highest potential, with an average daily output of 5.05kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.35kWh/day. However, production drops significantly during autumn (2.00kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.00kWh/day).

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round. Peak generation occurs from late spring through early autumn, making these months ideal for maximizing solar energy harvesting.

Optimal Panel Installation

To optimize year-round solar production in Co Kerry, Munster, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun path variations.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Co Kerry:

1. Cloud cover: Ireland's climate is known for frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: The region experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel output.
3. Short winter days: During winter months, the limited daylight hours further restrict solar energy generation.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Install a robust cleaning system to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance.
• Implement energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal variations in production.
• Consider combining solar with other renewable energy sources for a more consistent year-round supply.

While Co Kerry's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, proper system design and installation can still yield significant benefits, particularly during the more favorable months of 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 Co Kerry

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.1667, Longitude: -9.75 (Co Kerry, 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 Co Kerry, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Co Kerry, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.1667, -9.75) 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 Co Kerry, 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 Co Kerry, 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 Co Kerry, 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 Co Kerry, 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 Co Kerry, Ireland

County Kerry, located in southwestern Ireland, boasts a diverse and picturesque topography that has earned it the nickname "The Kingdom." The landscape is characterized by a stunning combination of rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and majestic mountains. The western part of Kerry is dominated by the Atlantic coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and numerous islands. The Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry are particularly notable for their scenic coastal routes, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the rugged shoreline. Inland, the terrain becomes more varied. The central and eastern parts of Kerry are home to rolling hills and fertile valleys, interspersed with lakes and rivers. The region's most prominent geographical feature is the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, which includes Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak at 1,038 meters (3,406 feet).

Potential for Solar PV in Kerry

While Kerry's topography is undoubtedly beautiful, it presents some challenges for large-scale solar PV installations. The region's frequent cloud cover and rainfall can reduce the efficiency of solar panels. However, certain areas within the county may be more suitable for solar energy projects. The eastern and southeastern parts of Kerry, which are generally flatter and experience slightly less rainfall, could be more appropriate for large-scale solar PV installations. Areas around towns like Killarney, Tralee, and Castleisland might offer potential sites for solar farms, as they have more open, level terrain and are slightly further from the coast. It's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to be carefully planned to minimize impact on the region's natural beauty and biodiversity. Environmental assessments and community consultations would be crucial steps in identifying suitable locations for solar PV installations in Kerry. Despite the challenges, developing renewable energy sources like solar power could play a significant role in Kerry's future, contributing to Ireland's goals for sustainable energy production while preserving the county's unique landscape and natural heritage.

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.