Solar PV Analysis of Saint Helier, Jersey
The location at Saint Helier, Jersey is moderately ideal for generating energy through solar PV panels year-round. The amount of electricity generated varies by season with the highest production in Summer (6.01kWh/day per kW) and Spring (5.25kWh/day per kW). Autumn yields a lower output of 2.75kWh/day per kW, while Winter has the lowest output at 1.23kWh/day per kW.
This means that solar power generation is most effective during the longer daylight hours of Spring and Summer when sunlight is plentiful. During Autumn and Winter, shorter days and less intense sunlight reduce power production significantly.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels to an angle of 42 degrees South will maximize total year-round solar PV production.
However, there are environmental factors that could affect solar production in Saint Helier. Being an island location, it may experience more cloud cover than mainland areas due to its maritime climate which can block sunlight from reaching the panels thereby reducing their efficiency.
Additionally, sea spray or bird droppings could accumulate on the panels over time which would also reduce their effectiveness as they block out light too.
To mitigate these potential issues:
1) Regular cleaning of the panels can help maintain their performance by removing any accumulated sea spray or bird droppings.
2) Considering adjustable tilt mounts instead of fixed ones might be beneficial so you can change the tilt angle throughout different seasons to capture maximum sunlight.
3) Using high-efficiency panel technology may also help offset some losses due to cloudy weather conditions.
4) If possible installing a wind turbine alongside your solar system could provide additional renewable energy during periods where sun exposure isn't optimal such as during winter months or overcast days since winds tend to be stronger when it's cloudy or cold outside especially in coastal areas like Saint Helier.
5) Lastly using battery storage systems can store excess produced energy during peak times for use during periods of low production.
In conclusion, while Saint Helier has its challenges for solar energy production due to its climate and location, with the right setup and maintenance it can still be a viable location for solar power generation.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Saint Helier
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.1805, Longitude: -2.0976 (Saint Helier, Jersey), 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 42° South in Saint Helier, Jersey
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Saint Helier, Jersey (Lat/Long 49.1805, -2.0976) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Saint Helier, Jersey
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 Saint Helier, Jersey. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33° South in Summer | 52° South in Autumn | 63° South in Winter | 41° 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 Saint Helier, Jersey
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 Saint Helier, Jersey.
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 Saint Helier, Jersey
Saint Helier is the capital of Jersey, an island located in the English Channel. The topography of Saint Helier and its surroundings is characterized by a mix of flat coastal plains and low-lying valleys with some gentle hills. The highest point on the island is only about 143 meters above sea level.
The coastline around Saint Helier features sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, while inland areas are dominated by agricultural fields, pastures, and small patches of woodland. There's also a significant amount of developed land in and around the city including residential areas, commercial zones, parks, etc.
As for solar photovoltaic (PV) potential - flat open spaces like agricultural fields or rooftops in developed areas would be suitable for installing large-scale solar PV systems. These locations provide ample space for installation without any obstruction to sunlight. However, given that Jersey is quite densely populated and has a strong commitment to preserving its natural landscapes and biodiversity - it's important that any large-scale solar projects are carefully planned to minimize environmental impact.
In addition to this, it should be noted that while Jersey gets reasonable amounts of sunshine (slightly more than UK average), it's not as high as many other global locations often associated with large scale solar power production such as Spain or California. Therefore efficiency considerations may also play into decisions about where best to locate these installations.
Finally - any plans would need to take into account local planning regulations which can vary significantly depending on specific location within the island.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 19th 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.
