The location in Kildare, Leinster, Ireland, situated at 53.1542° N, -6.9153° W, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar PV energy generation. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Kildare varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer months offer the best performance, with an average daily output of 5.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 4.34 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.07 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 0.96 kWh/day.

The stark contrast between summer and winter output highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this location. The long, sunny days of summer provide ample opportunity for energy generation, making it an ideal time for solar production. Conversely, the short, often overcast days of winter significantly hamper solar efficiency.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production at this Kildare location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle is calculated to optimize the overall annual energy yield, taking into account the varying solar elevation angles throughout the year and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impede solar production in Kildare. The region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. Additionally, the relatively high latitude results in shorter daylight hours during winter months, further limiting solar energy generation.

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
• Install a solar tracking system to maximize exposure to available sunlight
• Regularly clean panels to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate due to frequent rainfall
• Consider supplementing solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round

While Kildare's location presents challenges for solar energy production, particularly during autumn and winter, the strong performance in spring and summer months still makes solar PV a viable option. With proper installation techniques and preventative measures, solar energy can contribute significantly to the region's renewable energy mix, especially when combined with other energy sources to offset seasonal variations.

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 Kildare

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.1542, Longitude: -6.9153 (Kildare, 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 Kildare, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kildare, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.1542, -6.9153) 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 Kildare, 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 Kildare, 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
36° South in Summer	57° South in Autumn	66° 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 Kildare, 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 Kildare, 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 Kildare, Ireland

The landscape surrounding Kildare, Ireland, is characterized by its gentle, rolling terrain typical of the Irish Midlands. This area, situated in the heart of County Kildare, features a mix of low-lying plains and subtle undulations, creating a picturesque pastoral setting. The topography is predominantly flat to gently sloping, with occasional small hills and ridges breaking up the horizon. The region is part of the larger Central Lowlands of Ireland, which is known for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity. The land around Kildare is crisscrossed by numerous small rivers and streams, including the River Liffey and its tributaries, which have shaped the landscape over millennia. These waterways have carved shallow valleys and created occasional areas of wetlands and bogs.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Kildare for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain in many parts of the region is advantageous for solar farms, as it reduces the need for extensive land preparation and allows for efficient panel layout. The most suitable areas for solar PV development would likely be found in the open countryside surrounding Kildare town. These areas often feature large, unobstructed fields that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. The gently sloping lands to the south and east of Kildare could be particularly well-suited, as they tend to have a southerly aspect, which is ideal for maximizing solar exposure. However, it's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as grid connectivity, land use designations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most appropriate sites for large-scale solar installations. Additionally, care would need to be taken to balance renewable energy development with the preservation of Kildare's rich agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes.

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.