Solar PV Analysis of Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Leinster, Ireland (latitude: 53.3379, longitude: -6.2591) offers a suitable location for solar PV installations, with varying average daily production rates across the seasons: 5.21 kWh/day per kW in summer, 2.07 kWh/day per kW in autumn, 0.96 kWh/day per kW in winter, and 4.34 kWh/day per kW in spring. The higher electricity generation during the summer months can be attributed to longer daylight hours and increased temperatures.
Nonetheless, certain environmental factors may pose challenges to solar power generation at this location. Heavy rain or strong winds could potentially impact the efficiency of solar panels; however, these issues can often be mitigated through proper installation techniques and regular maintenance checks.
Cloud cover is another factor that may reduce sunlight availability for solar energy generation; yet even on cloudy days, some level of power production can still be achieved due to diffuse radiation reaching the panels.
Snowfall presents an additional challenge as it can decrease panel efficiency by limiting light transmission and increasing cooling effects on the cells themselves. To counteract this issue, it is essential to ensure that snow is cleared from panels promptly after accumulation.
For optimal performance at this location, fixed-panel installations should ideally be tilted at a 45-degree angle facing south to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
In conclusion, while Dublin's climate presents some challenges for solar power generation – such as cloud cover and occasional snowfall – these obstacles can generally be managed through appropriate installation practices and ongoing maintenance efforts. Overall, Dublin remains a viable location for harnessing solar energy year-round with seasonal variations in production rates taken into account.
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 Dublin
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.3379, Longitude: -6.2591 (Dublin, 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 45° South in Dublin, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dublin, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.3379, -6.2591) 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.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Dublin, 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 Dublin, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° 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 | 45° 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 Dublin, 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 Dublin, 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 Dublin, Ireland
The topography around Dublin, Ireland is generally flat with low hills. Areas to the south and west of Dublin are particularly well-suited for large-scale solar PV due to their exposure to maximum amounts of sunlight throughout the year. The flat terrain also makes it easier to install and maintain large-scale solar PV farms in these areas.
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: Monday 15th of August 2022
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.
