Solar PV Analysis of Dungarvan, Ireland
Dungarvan, Munster, Ireland, situated at 52.0848° N latitude and -7.6194° E longitude, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this coastal town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.39 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.42 kWh daily. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.10 kWh per day. Winter performance is particularly low, with a mere 1.01 kWh daily output.
These figures highlight that Dungarvan's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The period from late spring through early autumn offers the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with long daylight hours and generally clearer skies.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Dungarvan, Munster, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the town's latitude and seasonal sun paths, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Dungarvan:
- Cloud cover: Ireland's climate is known for frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Dungarvan experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel output.
- Coastal location: Proximity to the sea may lead to salt spray accumulation on panels, potentially reducing their effectiveness over time.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions
- Install a robust cleaning system to remove salt deposits and rainwater residue
- Employ micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
- Consider a slight increase in panel tilt to promote self-cleaning during rainfall
While Dungarvan's location isn't ideal for year-round solar production, strategic installation and maintenance can still yield significant energy benefits, particularly during the brighter 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 Dungarvan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0848, Longitude: -7.6194 (Dungarvan, 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 Dungarvan, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dungarvan, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.0848, -7.6194) 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 Dungarvan, 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 Dungarvan, 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 Dungarvan, 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 Dungarvan, 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 Dungarvan, Ireland
The topography around Dungarvan, Ireland, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines coastal features with inland rolling hills and valleys. Dungarvan itself is situated on the south coast of Ireland, nestled in a sheltered bay where the River Colligan meets the Celtic Sea. The town is surrounded by gently sloping terrain that gradually rises as you move inland.
To the north and northeast of Dungarvan, the landscape becomes more varied, with the Comeragh Mountains dominating the horizon. These mountains, while not extremely high by global standards, provide a striking backdrop to the area. The terrain in this direction is marked by a series of hills and valleys, with some steeper slopes and rocky outcrops as you approach the mountain range.
To the west and southwest, the land is generally flatter, consisting of low-lying coastal plains and agricultural fields. This area is part of the fertile region known as the Waterford coastlands. The coastline itself features a mix of sandy beaches, rocky shores, and small cliffs, creating a picturesque setting.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on the topography of the region, the following areas might be most suitable:
1. The coastal plains to the west and southwest of Dungarvan would likely be well-suited for solar PV. These areas are generally flat, which makes installation easier and reduces shading issues. They also tend to have fewer obstructions that could block sunlight.
2. Some of the more gently sloping hillsides to the north and east of Dungarvan could also be potential sites, particularly those facing south or southwest. These locations might benefit from slightly higher elevation, potentially receiving more direct sunlight.
3. Agricultural lands in the surrounding countryside, especially larger fields that are not heavily forested or built upon, could be considered for solar installations. Many farmers are increasingly open to using portions of their land for renewable energy projects.
It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor, other considerations such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and environmental impact assessments would also play significant roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects in 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: Sunday 25th of August 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.
