Solar PV Analysis of Glenmore, Ireland
Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impact the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.39kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.42kWh per day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.10kWh per day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 1.01kWh daily.
These figures highlight that Glenmore's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The long summer days and higher sun angles contribute significantly to the overall annual energy production. Spring also offers favorable conditions for solar generation, making it an ideal time for maintenance and optimization of solar installations.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Glenmore:
- Cloud cover: Ireland's climate is known for frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar irradiance.
- Rainfall: The region experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: The limited daylight hours during winter months contribute to the low solar output in this season.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris
- Install micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
- Consider a hybrid system with wind energy to complement solar during cloudy periods
While Glenmore's location is not ideal for year-round solar production, proper system design and maintenance can still yield significant energy benefits, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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 Glenmore
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.352761, Longitude: -7.0256264 (Glenmore, 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 Glenmore, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Glenmore, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.352761, -7.0256264) 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 Glenmore, 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 Glenmore, 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 Glenmore, 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 Glenmore, 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 Glenmore, Ireland
The area around Glenmore, Ireland, located in County Kilkenny, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the Irish Midlands. The landscape is primarily composed of low-lying hills and shallow valleys, with elevations generally ranging from about 20 to 100 meters above sea level. The terrain is not particularly steep or mountainous, but rather consists of a patchwork of fields, pastures, and small wooded areas.
The River Barrow, one of Ireland's major waterways, flows nearby to the east of Glenmore. This river valley contributes to the overall gentle nature of the topography, with some slightly steeper slopes leading down to the river in places. The surrounding area also features numerous small streams and drainage ditches that crisscross the landscape, further shaping the local terrain.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors should be considered. The gently sloping terrain in much of the region around Glenmore could be advantageous for solar farms, as it provides good exposure to sunlight without the need for extensive land modification. South-facing slopes would be particularly desirable, as they receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day.
Areas of open farmland or grazing pastures that are not heavily forested or developed would be prime candidates for solar PV installations. These locations often have the necessary space and minimal shading from trees or buildings. Additionally, sites that are relatively flat or have a slight southward tilt would be ideal, as they would require less grading and preparation for the installation of solar panels.
It's important to note that while the topography around Glenmore is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as grid connectivity, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects. Consultation with local authorities and detailed site assessments would be necessary to identify specific optimal areas for such developments.
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: Saturday 21st of September 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.
