Thurles, Munster, Ireland, situated at coordinates 52.6849, -7.7995, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The location demonstrates a stark contrast between summer and winter performance. During summer months, solar panels can generate a respectable 5.33kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. Spring also shows promising results with 4.35kWh/day. However, autumn sees a significant drop to 2.04kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 0.96kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Thurles is most suitable for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and generally clearer skies during this period contribute to higher energy yields. However, the substantial decrease in output during autumn and winter months presents challenges for consistent year-round energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Thurles. Ireland's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, which can significantly reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels. Additionally, the region's northerly latitude results in shorter winter days, further limiting solar potential during colder months.

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

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
• Install a robust cleaning system to combat the effects of frequent rainfall and potential debris accumulation
• Consider incorporating energy storage solutions to balance out seasonal variations in production

While Thurles may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, strategic installation and appropriate technology choices can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the more productive months of the year.

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 Thurles

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.6849, Longitude: -7.7995 (Thurles, 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 Thurles, Ireland

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Thurles, Ireland (Lat/Long 52.6849, -7.7995) 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 Thurles, 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 Thurles, 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 Thurles, 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 Thurles, 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 Thurles, Ireland

The topography surrounding Thurles, Ireland, is characterized by gently rolling hills and fertile lowlands. Located in County Tipperary, this area is part of the broader Golden Vale region, known for its rich agricultural land. The landscape is a patchwork of green fields, divided by hedgerows and stone walls, with scattered farmsteads and small woodlands dotting the countryside. The River Suir meanders through the area, carving a shallow valley and contributing to the region's lush appearance. To the east and southeast of Thurles, the terrain gradually rises towards the Slieveardagh Hills, while to the west, the land remains relatively flat as it stretches towards the Silvermine Mountains in the distance.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas near Thurles for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently undulating terrain offers some advantages for solar energy development, as it provides opportunities for optimal panel orientation without significant earthworks. The most suitable locations for solar farms would likely be found in the flatter areas to the west and southwest of Thurles. These regions benefit from fewer obstructions to sunlight and larger, contiguous parcels of land that could accommodate extensive arrays of solar panels. The agricultural nature of the land means that there are already many open fields that could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. However, it's important to note that the region's high agricultural value may present challenges in terms of land-use competition. Any large-scale solar development would need to carefully balance energy production goals with the preservation of prime farmland. Areas to the north and northeast of Thurles, where the terrain becomes slightly more elevated, might also offer good potential for solar PV installations. These higher grounds could benefit from increased exposure to sunlight throughout the day, potentially improving the efficiency of solar panels. While the climate in Ireland is generally not considered ideal for solar energy due to its frequent cloud cover and rainfall, advances in solar technology have made it increasingly viable. The long summer days in this latitude can partially compensate for the reduced sunlight during winter months. Any development of large-scale solar PV in the Thurles area would require careful site selection, taking into account not only the topography but also proximity to electrical infrastructure, environmental considerations, and local planning regulations. The visual impact on the picturesque Irish countryside would also need to be carefully managed to maintain the region's aesthetic appeal.

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.