Longford, Leinster, Ireland, situated at coordinates 53.7266, -7.7965 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture 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 for solar energy in Longford, Leinster, with an impressive daily output of 5.21kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.34kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.07kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 0.96kWh/day in winter.

These figures highlight that the location is far from ideal for year-round solar energy production. The stark contrast between summer and winter output indicates that solar installations in Longford would be most effective during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Longford, Leinster, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 45 degrees facing south. This angle has been 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 factors could potentially impede solar production in Longford:

1. Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Longford experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel performance and require more frequent cleaning.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to prevent buildup of dirt and debris.
• Implement a solar tracking system to maximize exposure to available sunlight.
• Consider complementing the solar installation with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power generation throughout the year.

While Longford's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this 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 Longford

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.7266, Longitude: -7.7965 (Longford, 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 Longford, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Longford, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.7266, -7.7965) 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 Longford, 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 Longford, 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 Longford, 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 Longford, 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 Longford, Ireland

The topography around Longford, Ireland, is characterized by a gentle, rolling landscape typical of the Irish Midlands. This area is part of the Central Lowlands, a region known for its relatively flat terrain interspersed with subtle hills and shallow valleys. The land surrounding Longford is predominantly low-lying, with elevations generally ranging from 40 to 100 meters above sea level. The landscape is dotted with numerous small lakes, known locally as loughs, which are remnants of the last ice age. These water bodies contribute to the area's picturesque scenery and rich biodiversity. The River Shannon, Ireland's longest river, flows to the west of Longford, influencing the local topography with its associated floodplains and wetlands.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Longford for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently undulating terrain of the region offers some advantages for solar energy development. Areas with slight south-facing slopes would be particularly well-suited, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. The open farmland that surrounds Longford could potentially accommodate large solar arrays. These agricultural areas often have fewer obstacles that might cast shadows on solar panels, such as tall buildings or dense forests. Additionally, the relatively flat nature of the land would simplify the construction and maintenance of solar installations. However, it's important to note that while the topography is favorable, the climate in this part of Ireland presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region experiences frequent cloud cover and rainfall, which can reduce the overall efficiency of solar panels. Despite this, advancements in solar technology have made it increasingly viable even in less sunny climates. Specific locations that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV projects include the slightly elevated areas to the east and southeast of Longford town. These areas tend to have better drainage and potentially less risk of flooding compared to the lower-lying lands closer to the River Shannon. In conclusion, while the topography around Longford is generally conducive to solar PV installations, careful site selection would be crucial to maximize energy production. Factors such as local microclimates, land use regulations, and proximity to electrical infrastructure would also need to be considered in addition to the topographical features when planning any large-scale solar energy projects in the 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.