Solar PV Analysis of Monaghan, Ireland
Monaghan, Ulster, Ireland, located at 54.2504° N, -6.9697° E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar power generation.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
Solar energy output in Monaghan varies considerably throughout the year. Summer months are the most productive, with an average daily output of 4.87 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 4.14 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic drop in production, with 1.77 kWh/day and 0.88 kWh/day respectively.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this location. While summer and spring offer good potential for solar energy generation, the significantly lower output during autumn and winter months may necessitate alternative energy sources or storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Monaghan, Ulster, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 46 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 factors could potentially impede solar production in Monaghan:
- Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Monaghan experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel performance and require more frequent cleaning.
- Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, further limiting solar energy production.
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 panel cleaning to combat the effects of rainfall and potential dirt accumulation.
- Implement energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal variations in solar production.
- Consider supplementing solar with other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, which may be more consistent in this region.
While Monaghan's location presents some challenges for solar PV energy generation, proper planning and implementation can still make it a viable component of a diversified renewable energy strategy.
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 Monaghan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.2504, Longitude: -6.9697 (Monaghan, 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 46° South in Monaghan, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Monaghan, Ireland (Lat/Long 54.2504, -6.9697) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Monaghan, 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 Monaghan, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38° South in Summer | 58° South in Autumn | 67° South in Winter | 46° 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 Monaghan, 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 Monaghan, 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 Monaghan, Ireland
The topography around Monaghan, Ireland, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of the Irish countryside. This area, located in the northeast of the country, features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and small lakes scattered throughout the region. The terrain is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 50 to 200 meters above sea level.
Monaghan town itself sits in a shallow basin surrounded by these gentle hills. The landscape is dotted with small farms, pastures, and patches of woodland, creating a patchwork of green fields divided by hedgerows and stone walls. Several small rivers and streams crisscross the area, contributing to the region's lush appearance.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight. In the vicinity of Monaghan, some of the more open, elevated areas to the south and east of the town might be suitable candidates.
The slightly higher ground in these directions could potentially offer better solar exposure, with fewer obstructions from hills or forests. Areas around the outskirts of smaller towns like Ballybay to the south or Castleblayney to the southeast might provide suitable locations. These areas often have larger, open fields that could accommodate solar arrays without significant alterations to the landscape.
However, it's important to note that Ireland's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and relatively low levels of direct sunlight compared to more southern latitudes, presents challenges for solar energy production. Any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider these factors, as well as local planning regulations and environmental impact assessments.
Additionally, the selection of specific sites would require detailed surveys to assess factors such as local microclimate, grid connection possibilities, and potential impacts on wildlife and local communities. While the gently rolling topography of the Monaghan area doesn't present major obstacles to solar farm development, the overall viability of such projects would depend on a combination of geographical, technical, and economic factors.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 15th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
