Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland, situated at 52.661° N latitude and -7.2551° E longitude, presents a mixed landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output in Kilkenny varies dramatically across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.39 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 4.42 kWh per day. In contrast, autumn sees a significant drop to 2.10 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at merely 1.01 kWh per day.

These figures highlight that the most ideal times for solar energy generation in Kilkenny are during the spring and summer months, typically from April through August. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Tilt Angle

For fixed solar panel installations in Kilkenny, Leinster, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 45 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather factors can impact solar energy production in Kilkenny:

1. Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Kilkenny experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can temporarily decrease solar panel output.

To mitigate these factors, several preventative measures can be taken during solar installation:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate due to rainfall.
• Consider implementing a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture during periods of clear sky.
• Ensure proper drainage around the solar installation to prevent water accumulation.

While Kilkenny's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during the autumn and winter months, implementing these measures can help optimize energy generation and make solar PV systems a viable renewable energy option for the area.

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 Kilkenny

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.661, Longitude: -7.2551 (Kilkenny, 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:

Average 5.39kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.10kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.01kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.42kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 45° South in Kilkenny, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kilkenny, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.661, -7.2551) 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.

At Latitude: 52.661, Longitude: -7.2551, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 45° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny, Ireland

The topography around Kilkenny, Ireland is characterized by gently rolling hills and lowlands. The city itself is situated in a valley along the River Nore, with the surrounding landscape gradually rising to form modest elevations. This area is part of Ireland's central plain, known for its relatively flat terrain with occasional undulations.

To the east and southeast of Kilkenny, the land gradually rises towards the Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Leinster, though these more significant elevations are some distance away. To the west and southwest, the terrain remains largely low-lying, with occasional small hills dotting the landscape. The region is known for its fertile farmland and pastures, interspersed with areas of woodland and small rivers.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on the topography around Kilkenny, some potentially suitable areas might include:

1. The open farmlands to the south and southwest of Kilkenny city, where the terrain is generally flatter and there are fewer obstructions to sunlight.
2. Areas to the east of the city, where gentle slopes facing south or southwest could provide optimal angles for solar panels.
3. Former industrial or brownfield sites on the outskirts of Kilkenny or in nearby towns, which often offer large, open spaces with existing infrastructure connections.

It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor, other considerations such as proximity to power grid infrastructure, local planning regulations, and environmental impact assessments would also play significant roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV projects in the Kilkenny area.

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.

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