Solar PV Analysis of New Ross, Ireland
Based on the given data, New Ross, Leinster, Ireland is a moderately good location for generating solar energy year-round. However, its effectiveness varies with seasons. Summer and spring are the most productive seasons for solar energy generation due to longer daylight hours and greater sun exposure. Specifically, in summer you can expect about 5.39 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels, while in spring it's slightly less at around 4.42 kWh/day.
In contrast, autumn and winter see a significant drop in production because of shorter days and less sun exposure - only about 2.10 kWh/day in autumn and even lower at 1.01 kWh/day during winter.
For maximum efficiency throughout the year, it is recommended that fixed panel installations be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing southwards.
There may be some local factors that could affect solar production here such as cloudy weather or fog which are common occurrences in Ireland especially during winter months – these conditions reduce sunlight availability thus lowering power output from your panels.
To mitigate against these factors when installing your panels:
- Ensure there are no physical obstructions like trees or buildings blocking sunlight to your panels.
- Regularly clean the surface of your panels to remove any dust or debris that could block sunlight.
- Consider using tracking systems that automatically adjust the direction of your solar panel throughout the day to follow the path of the sun maximizing its exposure.
- Use high-quality PV modules designed for low light performance if possible as they can produce more electricity under cloudy conditions compared to standard modules.
Remember though that while these measures can help improve energy production somewhat they cannot completely overcome lack of sunshine during those gloomier months so bear this mind when calculating how much power you will be able generate overall across different times of year at this location with a solar installation.
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 New Ross
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.3986, Longitude: -6.9449 (New Ross, 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 44° South in New Ross, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in New Ross, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.3986, -6.9449) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 44° 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 New Ross, 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 New Ross, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° 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 | 56° South in Autumn | 66° South in Winter | 44° 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 New Ross, 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 New Ross, 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 New Ross, Ireland
New Ross, Ireland is located in the southeastern part of the country, in County Wexford. The terrain around New Ross is primarily low-lying and gently rolling with some hilly areas to the west. It's situated near the River Barrow and surrounded by farmland.
The region receives moderate sunlight levels compared to other parts of Europe, but less than Mediterranean regions. Solar PV potential would be dependent on several factors including land availability, orientation (south-facing slopes are ideal), absence of shading from trees or buildings, local planning regulations among others.
Given these considerations:
1) Farmlands: These areas can be suitable for solar PV installations as they are often large open spaces that receive good sunlight exposure.
2) Industrial Areas: If there are any industrial zones or brownfield sites nearby, they could also be considered due to their typically large flat roofs which provide ample space for solar panels.
3) Hilly areas: Although not ideal due to potential shading issues and increased installation costs due to uneven terrain, south-facing slopes could still offer decent solar potential if appropriately designed and installed.
However, it should be noted that while these locations might have physical suitability for large-scale solar PV systems, a detailed feasibility study considering all technical and economic aspects would need to be carried out before making any decisions.
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 16th of April 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.
