Solar Energy Potential in Edenderry, Leinster, Ireland

Edenderry, Leinster, located in County Offaly, Ireland, presents a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output. Summer proves to be the most productive season for solar energy in Edenderry, Leinster, with an average daily output of 5.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This is followed closely by spring, which yields 4.34 kWh per day. These seasons offer the best opportunity for maximizing solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies. Autumn sees a considerable drop in solar output, producing an average of 2.07 kWh per day. Winter, as expected, presents the greatest challenge for solar energy generation in Edenderry, Leinster, with a mere 0.96 kWh per day on average. This significant seasonal variation highlights the importance of proper system sizing and energy storage solutions to ensure year-round energy sufficiency.

Optimal Panel Installation

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Edenderry, Leinster, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 45 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Edenderry:

• Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
• Rainfall: Edenderry experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel performance if not properly managed.
• Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting solar energy production.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures: 1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions. 2. Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance. 3. Install a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture throughout the day, especially during shorter winter days. 4. Consider coupling the solar PV system with energy storage solutions to balance out seasonal variations in energy production. While Edenderry may not be an ideal location for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable and beneficial energy source for the area.

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 Edenderry

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.35, Longitude: -7.0593 (Edenderry, 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 Edenderry, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Edenderry, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.35, -7.0593) 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 Edenderry, 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 Edenderry, 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 Edenderry, 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 Edenderry, 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 Edenderry, Ireland

The topography around Edenderry, Ireland, is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain. This area is part of the Irish Midlands, which is known for its low-lying landscape. Edenderry itself sits at an elevation of about 80 meters (262 feet) above sea level.

The surrounding countryside consists primarily of agricultural land, with a mix of pastures and cropfields. To the east and northeast of Edenderry, you'll find the expansive Bog of Allen, a large raised bog that covers parts of several counties in the Midlands. This bogland is generally flat and open, with some areas having been harvested for peat over the years.

To the west and southwest, the land gradually rises towards the Slieve Bloom Mountains, though these are still quite distant from Edenderry. The immediate vicinity remains predominantly low-lying, with occasional small hills and drumlins dotting the landscape.

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, open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings, and good access to the electrical grid.

Given these criteria, some of the most suitable areas for solar PV near Edenderry might include:

1. Portions of the former peat harvesting areas in the Bog of Allen, which are now largely cleared and have minimal competing land use.
2. Large, open agricultural fields to the south and west of Edenderry, particularly those with a slight south-facing slope for optimal sun exposure.
3. Brownfield sites or former industrial areas near the town that are no longer in use and have good grid connections.

It's important to note that while the topography in this area is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local planning regulations, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would also need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar installations.

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.