Kilcloon, Leinster, Ireland, situated at coordinates 53.4279, -6.5717 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.15 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.27 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.01 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 0.92 kWh/day.

These figures highlight that Kilcloon's solar potential is heavily concentrated in the spring and summer months, from approximately March through August. During this period, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to optimal solar energy production.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Kilcloon, Leinster, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 45 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar production in Kilcloon:

1. Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar output, especially during autumn and winter.
2. Rainfall: The area experiences regular rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
3. Short winter days: Being in the Northern Temperate Zone, Kilcloon has notably shorter days during winter, limiting solar exposure.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance.
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize exposure during shorter winter days.
• Explore battery storage options to balance out the seasonal variations in energy production.

While Kilcloon may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for this location.

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 Kilcloon

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.4279, Longitude: -6.5717 (Kilcloon, 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 Kilcloon, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kilcloon, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.4279, -6.5717) 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 Kilcloon, 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 Kilcloon, 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 Kilcloon, 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 Kilcloon, 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 Kilcloon, Ireland

The landscape surrounding Kilcloon, Ireland, is characterized by gently rolling hills and expansive pastoral fields. This area, located in County Meath, is part of the fertile lowlands of the Irish Midlands. The terrain is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys. The River Rye Water, a tributary of the River Liffey, meanders through the region, adding to its picturesque nature. The topography around Kilcloon is largely shaped by its agricultural heritage. Lush green pastures dominate the landscape, interspersed with patches of woodland and hedgerows that define field boundaries. The land is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 50 to 100 meters above sea level. This relatively flat terrain is a result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age, which left behind a layer of fertile soil ideal for farming.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently sloping terrain in the vicinity of Kilcloon offers promising locations for solar farms. South-facing slopes, in particular, would be ideal as they receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. Open agricultural fields that are not prime farmland could be potential sites for solar development. These areas often have minimal shading from trees or buildings, which is crucial for optimal solar panel performance. The relatively flat nature of much of the surrounding land would also simplify the installation process and reduce construction costs. Areas to the south and southeast of Kilcloon might be particularly suitable, as they tend to have slightly higher elevations and fewer obstructions. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to balance energy production goals with preserving the area's agricultural character and natural beauty. Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure is another consideration. Sites closer to power lines and substations would be advantageous for connecting the solar farm to the grid. While specific locations would require detailed assessments, the general topography and land use patterns around Kilcloon suggest that there is potential for solar PV development in the region, provided it is done thoughtfully and in harmony with the existing landscape.

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

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.