Solar PV Analysis of Portlaoise, Ireland
Portlaoise, Leinster, Ireland, situated at latitude 53.0476 and longitude -7.2994, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy potential in Portlaoise fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer proves to be the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 4.34 kWh per day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in energy production, with outputs of 2.07 kWh and 0.96 kWh per day, respectively.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The ideal period for solar energy production in Portlaoise spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The summer solstice in June marks the peak of solar potential, with energy production gradually decreasing as autumn approaches.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Portlaoise, Leinster, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 45 degrees facing south. This angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, compensating for the lower sun angle during winter months while still benefiting from the higher summer sun.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Portlaoise:
- Cloud cover: Ireland's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Portlaoise experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel performance and cleanliness.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing regular cleaning schedules. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions can help maintain energy production during overcast days.
While Portlaoise's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its northern latitude and weather patterns, proper panel placement and maintenance can still yield significant energy benefits, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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 Portlaoise
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.0476, Longitude: -7.2994 (Portlaoise, 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 Portlaoise, Ireland
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Portlaoise, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.0476, -7.2994) 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 Portlaoise, 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 Portlaoise, 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 Portlaoise, 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 Portlaoise, 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 Portlaoise, Ireland
The area around Portlaoise, Ireland, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of the Irish Midlands. Situated in County Laois, Portlaoise lies in a relatively flat plain with subtle undulations. The terrain gradually rises towards the northwest, where the Slieve Bloom Mountains form a distant backdrop to the town.
The immediate vicinity of Portlaoise consists of low-lying agricultural land, interspersed with small woodlands and hedgerows. The River Triogue flows through the town, adding a minor water feature to the otherwise predominantly terrestrial topography. As you move outward from the town center, the landscape becomes more rural, with open fields and scattered farmsteads dominating the view.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the relatively flat terrain surrounding Portlaoise offers several potential locations. The most promising areas would likely be found to the south and east of the town, where the land is generally flatter and more open. These areas typically receive good sunlight exposure throughout the day, which is crucial for solar energy production.
Ideal sites for solar PV would be on gently south-facing slopes, away from any significant geographical features that might cast shadows. Large, open fields that are currently used for agriculture but are not prime agricultural land could be considered for solar farm development. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play a role in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects.
The areas to the northwest, closer to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, might be less suitable due to increased elevation and potential shading from the hills. Similarly, areas immediately adjacent to the town or close to wooded regions might present challenges in terms of available space and consistent sunlight exposure.
Overall, the topography around Portlaoise provides a reasonably good foundation for solar PV development, with ample flat or gently sloping land that could be utilized for this purpose, subject to thorough site-specific assessments and necessary approvals.
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 20th of August 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.
