Portarlington, Leinster, Ireland, situated at 53.162°N latitude and -7.1864°E longitude, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Portarlington varies considerably across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.15 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.27 kWh/day. However, the output drops significantly during autumn, producing only 2.01 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 0.92 kWh/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 outputs indicates that solar installations in Portarlington would be most effective during the longer, sunnier days from late spring through early autumn.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize the total year-round production from solar PV in Portarlington, Leinster, fixed panels should be tilted at a 45-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the sun's changing position in the sky across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Portarlington:

• Cloud cover: Ireland is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
• Rainfall: The region experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel performance and require more frequent cleaning.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing these preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to combat the effects of rainfall and potential dirt accumulation.
• Implement micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.

While Portarlington's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and equipment choices can help maximize the potential during the more productive months and mitigate the challenges posed by local weather conditions.

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 Portarlington

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.162, Longitude: -7.1864 (Portarlington, 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 Portarlington, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Portarlington, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.162, -7.1864) 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 Portarlington, 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 Portarlington, 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
36° South in Summer	57° South in Autumn	66° 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 Portarlington, 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 Portarlington, 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 Portarlington, Ireland

The landscape surrounding Portarlington, Ireland, is characterized by its gently rolling terrain, typical of the Irish Midlands. This area, situated in County Laois near the border with County Offaly, features a mix of low-lying plains and subtle undulations. The topography is largely shaped by glacial deposits from the last ice age, resulting in a patchwork of fields, meadows, and occasional wooded areas. The River Barrow, which flows through Portarlington, has played a significant role in shaping the local topography. Its winding course has created a shallow valley, with slightly higher ground on either side. The river's floodplain contributes to the area's relatively flat appearance, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the town.

Surrounding Landscape

As one moves away from Portarlington, the terrain becomes more varied. To the north and east, the land gradually rises towards the Slieve Bloom Mountains, though these hills are still quite distant from the town itself. To the south and west, the landscape remains predominantly flat, with occasional gentle slopes and small hillocks breaking up the otherwise level countryside. The area around Portarlington is primarily agricultural, with a mosaic of pastures and croplands dominating the visual landscape. Hedgerows and small clusters of trees dot the fields, providing natural boundaries and habitat for local wildlife.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas near Portarlington that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain to the south and west of the town offers promising locations for solar farms. These areas benefit from minimal shadowing effects due to the lack of significant elevation changes or large obstacles. Agricultural land that is less productive or marginal could be ideal for solar development. Fields with a slight south-facing slope would be particularly advantageous, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, care must be taken to balance renewable energy needs with preserving valuable agricultural land. Areas near existing electrical infrastructure, such as substations or power lines, would also be preferable for solar PV installations. This proximity would reduce the cost and complexity of connecting new solar farms to the grid. It's important to note that while the topography around Portarlington is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local planning regulations, environmental considerations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar developments.

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.