Solar PV Analysis of Fermoy, Ireland
Fermoy, Munster, Ireland is a reasonable location for generating solar energy year-round. The output varies by season, with the highest production in summer at 5.11 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day per kilowatt of installed solar power, followed by spring at 4.42 kWh/day, autumn at 2.06 kWh/day and winter at only 1.04 kWh/day.
This means that the most ideal times to generate solar energy in Fermoy are during the longer daylight hours of summer and spring when sunlight is more abundant. However, even during autumn and winter months when days are shorter and sunlight less plentiful, some electricity can still be generated from solar panels.
For maximum efficiency throughout the year in Fermoy, Munster, fixed-panel solar installations should ideally be tilted towards south at an angle of 44 degrees to capture as much sunlight as possible.
As far as environmental or weather factors go that may hinder energy production from your panels – there could be a few considerations given the location's climate characteristics:
1) Cloud cover: Ireland tends to have quite cloudy weather which can reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching your panels.
2) Rainfall: Frequent rain can also diminish panel performance if not properly maintained.
3) Temperature: While not usually extreme in Ireland, colder temperatures can slightly decrease panel efficiency while warmer temperatures might increase it.
To mitigate these issues:
- Using high-quality PV modules designed for lower light conditions could help maximize power generation on cloudier days.
- Regular maintenance such as cleaning off any accumulated dirt or debris will keep your panels working efficiently even after rainy spells.
- And while you don't have much control over temperature changes affecting panel efficiency - ensuring they are installed correctly with good ventilation will help keep them running optimally regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations.
In summary - yes you can generate useful amounts of electricity from Solar PV all year round in Fermoy but expect output levels to fluctuate with the seasons. Regular maintenance and correct installation can help ensure you get the best performance possible from your system despite any local weather challenges.
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 Fermoy
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.1387, Longitude: -8.2805 (Fermoy, 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 Fermoy, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fermoy, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.1387, -8.2805) 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 Fermoy, 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 Fermoy, 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 Fermoy, 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 Fermoy, 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 Fermoy, Ireland
Fermoy, Ireland is located in the province of Munster and is characterized by a mix of low-lying plains and rolling hills. The town itself sits on the River Blackwater. The overall topography isn't particularly mountainous, but there are some higher elevations to the north towards Ballyhoura Mountains.
When considering locations for large scale solar PV installations, it's important to consider factors such as sunlight exposure (solar irradiance), land availability, proximity to power grids for transmission purposes, and environmental impact.
Given Fermoy's location in southern Ireland where solar irradiance is relatively lower compared with other regions globally due to its northerly latitude and often cloudy weather conditions, maximizing exposure to sunlight would be crucial. Thus flat or south-facing sloped areas would be ideal for capturing the most sunlight throughout the year.
Open farmland could potentially provide suitable space for large-scale solar farms if they don't interfere with agricultural activities. Additionally, any unused industrial lands or brownfield sites near Fermoy could also be considered as these may already have access to necessary infrastructure like roads and power lines.
However specific site selection should involve detailed feasibility studies including technical aspects (like soil condition), socio-economic impacts (like job creation versus potential disruption to local communities) and environmental considerations (like potential effects on local wildlife or landscape).
It should also be noted that while Ireland does receive less sunshine than many countries more traditionally associated with solar energy production such as Spain or Australia; advancements in solar technology mean that it can still be a viable renewable energy source even in less sunny climates – especially when combined with effective energy storage solutions.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 26th of May 2024
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.
