Solar Energy Potential in Enniscorthy, Leinster, Ireland

Enniscorthy, Leinster, Ireland, situated in County Wexford, presents a moderate opportunity for solar PV energy generation, with notable seasonal variations. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant fluctuations in solar energy production throughout the year. The seasonal solar electricity output reveals a clear pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive period, generating approximately 5.33kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 4.35kWh/day per kW. Production drops considerably during autumn to 2.04kWh/day, while winter sees the lowest output at just 0.96kWh/day per kW of installed capacity.

Seasonal Variations and Implications

This seasonal pattern indicates that Enniscorthy's solar potential is heavily concentrated in the spring and summer months, which together account for approximately 75% of the annual solar energy production. The substantial difference between summer and winter output (over 5 times more energy in summer) highlights the seasonal nature of solar resources at this latitude. For residents and businesses considering solar installations in Enniscorthy, Leinster, this means that supplementary energy sources would be particularly important during the winter months when solar generation is minimal. Alternatively, excess energy produced during summer could be stored or fed back to the grid depending on local energy policies.

Optimal Panel Installation

For maximizing year-round solar energy production in Enniscorthy, Leinster, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 44-degree tilt angle facing south. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize annual energy capture based on Enniscorthy's geographical position and seasonal solar patterns.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors in Enniscorthy may affect solar PV performance. Ireland's climate presents challenges including frequent cloud cover and rainfall, which can reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels. Additionally, Enniscorthy's location experiences Atlantic weather patterns that can bring extended periods of overcast conditions. To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Using high-efficiency panels specifically designed for diffuse light conditions
• Installing micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Implementing robust mounting systems that can withstand occasional strong winds
• Regular cleaning schedules to remove dirt and debris, particularly after stormy weather
• Considering slightly west-oriented installations to capture more afternoon sun when morning fog or mist has cleared

Despite these challenges, modern solar technology can still provide worthwhile energy generation in Enniscorthy, Leinster, particularly when systems are properly designed with local conditions in mind.

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 Enniscorthy

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.5003, Longitude: -6.5643 (Enniscorthy, 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 Enniscorthy, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Enniscorthy, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.5003, -6.5643) 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 Enniscorthy, 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 Enniscorthy, 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 Enniscorthy, 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 Enniscorthy, 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 Enniscorthy, Ireland

The landscape around Enniscorthy, located in County Wexford in southeastern Ireland, features a diverse topography characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and some flatter areas. Enniscorthy itself sits along the banks of the River Slaney, which meanders through the region creating a picturesque valley. The town is nestled in a basin surrounded by gradually rising terrain, with Vinegar Hill standing prominently to the east as a notable landmark rising approximately 155 meters above sea level. The surrounding countryside exhibits a patchwork of agricultural fields, woodland patches, and gentle slopes typical of Ireland's southeastern region. Moving outward from Enniscorthy, the terrain generally remains undulating rather than mountainous, with elevations typically ranging between 20 and 200 meters above sea level. The land gradually rises toward the northwest where the Blackstairs Mountains form a natural boundary between County Wexford and County Carlow.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas near Enniscorthy offer promising conditions based on topographical considerations. The gently sloping south-facing hillsides located to the north and northwest of Enniscorthy present favorable terrain for solar collection. These areas benefit from their orientation toward the sun's path while being elevated enough to avoid significant shadowing effects. The more level agricultural lands to the south and southeast of Enniscorthy also merit consideration for solar development. These areas feature relatively flat terrain that would minimize installation challenges and earthworks costs. The open farmland between Enniscorthy and the coast, particularly in the direction of Wexford town, offers expansive spaces with minimal topographical obstacles. Areas to potentially avoid include the immediate river valley floors, which may experience more frequent fog or mist conditions, and north-facing slopes which receive less direct sunlight. The steeper terrain approaching the Blackstairs Mountains would also present installation challenges and potentially greater shadowing effects. The moderately elevated plateaus several kilometers east and northeast of Enniscorthy combine advantageous aspects: sufficient elevation to reduce fog interference, relatively level terrain for easier construction, and good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. These areas represent a sensible compromise between completely flat land and more challenging hilly terrain.

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.