Skerries, Leinster, Ireland, situated at 53.585°N latitude and -6.1127°E longitude, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation. This coastal town in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Skerries follows a predictable pattern aligned with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.34 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in autumn, with production dropping to 2.07 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest output, managing only 0.96 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial difference between peak and off-peak seasons, with summer producing more than five times the energy of winter. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer months contribute significantly to this increased productivity.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Skerries, Leinster, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Skerries:

1. Coastal Weather: Being a seaside town, Skerries is prone to salt spray and moisture, which can affect solar panel efficiency and longevity.
2. Cloud Cover: Ireland's climate is known for frequent cloud cover, which can reduce solar irradiance.
3. Short Winter Days: The location's high latitude results in very short days during winter, significantly limiting solar production.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Use marine-grade materials and protective coatings to guard against salt corrosion.
• Install high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions.
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to prevent salt and dirt buildup.
• Consider supplementary energy sources for winter months when solar production is low.

While Skerries' location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for this Irish coastal town.

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 Skerries

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.585, Longitude: -6.1127 (Skerries, 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:

Average 5.21kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.07kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.96kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.34kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 45° South in Skerries, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Skerries, Ireland (Lat/Long 53.585, -6.1127) 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.

At Latitude: 53.585, Longitude: -6.1127, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 45° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Skerries, 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 Skerries, Ireland. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Skerries, 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 Skerries, 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 Skerries, Ireland

The topography around Skerries, Ireland is characterized by a mix of coastal and gently rolling inland terrain. Skerries itself is a coastal town situated on a small peninsula that juts out into the Irish Sea. The immediate coastline features sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and small islands just offshore, including the Skerries Islands.

Moving inland from the coast, the landscape gradually transitions to low-lying, undulating farmland. This area is part of the larger Fingal region, known for its fertile agricultural lands. The terrain is generally flat to gently sloping, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys. The elevation increases slightly as you move further inland, but remains relatively modest, rarely exceeding 100 meters above sea level within a 10-kilometer radius of Skerries.

The surrounding countryside is predominantly rural, with a patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and small wooded areas. Several small rivers and streams flow through the region, creating minor topographical features as they make their way towards the sea.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas near Skerries would be the inland agricultural lands. These areas offer several advantages:

1. Flat or gently sloping terrain, which is ideal for solar panel installation and minimizes shading issues.
2. Open fields with minimal obstruction from trees or buildings, allowing for maximum sun exposure.
3. Existing road infrastructure for access to potential solar farm sites.
4. Distance from the coast, reducing exposure to salt spray which can be corrosive to solar equipment.

Specifically, the rural areas to the west and southwest of Skerries, extending towards towns like Lusk and Rush, could be well-suited for solar PV development. These locations offer a good balance of suitable topography, available land, and proximity to existing electrical infrastructure.

However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with preserving the agricultural character of the region and considering local planning regulations. Environmental impact assessments and community consultations would be crucial steps in identifying the most appropriate sites for solar PV installations in this area.

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.

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