Solar PV Analysis of Navan, Ireland
Navan, Leinster, Ireland is a decent location for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, but it's not the most ideal. The electricity output from solar panels varies throughout the year due to changes in sunlight exposure and intensity.
In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar can produce around 5.21 kilowatt-hours per day - this would be the best time of year for generating solar power at this location because days are longer and sun is stronger. Spring also provides good conditions with an average output of 4.34 kWh/day per kW.
However, in autumn and winter, the production drops significantly due to shorter daylight hours and weaker sun intensity. Autumn sees an average output of about 2.07 kWh/day per kW while winter produces only around 0.96 kWh/day per kW.
If you're installing a fixed panel system at this location, it's recommended that you tilt your panels towards south at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to maximize total year-round production from your PV system.
There could be some local factors that might hinder solar production in Navan area such as cloudy weather or rain which are common in Ireland particularly during autumn and winter months when there is less sunshine available for producing electricity through PV systems.
One way to mitigate these effects is by installing more efficient types of solar panels capable of capturing more sunlight even under cloudy conditions or consider using battery storage systems so excess power generated during sunny periods can be stored for use during less sunny times.
Additionally, regular maintenance like cleaning off any accumulated dirt or debris on the panel surface can help ensure greater energy production as well as proper functioning over long term.
Also note that environmental considerations such as shading from nearby buildings or trees should be taken into account when deciding where exactly to install your PV system since they may block direct sunlight reaching your panels thus reducing their efficiency.
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 Navan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.5542, Longitude: -6.7878 (Navan, 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 Navan, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Navan, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.5542, -6.7878) 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 Navan, 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 Navan, 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 Navan, 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 Navan, 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 Navan, Ireland
Navan, Ireland is located in County Meath and is characterized by a relatively flat landscape with some rolling hills. The area features rich agricultural lands and pastures, interspersed with small woodlands and rivers.
In terms of solar PV potential, it's crucial to consider factors like sunlight hours, cloud cover, land use restrictions, power grid accessibility etc., apart from topography. Generally speaking though:
1. Open flat areas: These would be the most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations as they provide maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day. In Navan's case, its abundant farmlands could serve this purpose.
2. South-facing slopes: If there are any south-facing slopes in or around Navan (facing towards the equator), these could also be ideal for harnessing solar energy as they receive more sunlight during the day.
However, please note that Ireland overall receives less sunshine compared to countries closer to the equator which might limit efficiency of a large scale solar PV project here; also converting agricultural lands for such usage may require permissions based on local laws & regulations regarding land use change.
Lastly but importantly - while technically feasible - community acceptance and environmental impact assessments would also play significant role in deciding suitability of an area for large scale renewable energy projects like Solar PV farms.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 13th of May 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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.
