Solar PV Analysis of Aberdare, United Kingdom
The location at Aberdare, Wales, United Kingdom, is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round. However, the effectiveness varies greatly depending on the season.
During summer and spring, you can expect a good amount of electricity production with an average output of 5.42 kilowatt-hours per day in summer and 4.54 kilowatt-hours per day in spring for each kilowatt of installed solar power. These seasons are ideal times to generate solar energy at this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
In comparison, autumn and winter see significant drops in production due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight; you can only expect about 2.31 kilowatt-hours per day in autumn and a mere 1.05 kilowatt-hours per day in winter from each installed kW.
To maximize total year-round energy production from your solar PV system at this location, it's recommended that your panels be fixed at an angle tilted 44 degrees towards the south. This angle takes into account the path of the sun across the sky throughout different seasons ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight over time.
There could be certain local factors that might hinder solar production here though:
1) Weather: The UK is known for its cloudy weather which may limit sunlight availability.
2) Environmental: Nearby buildings or trees might cast shadows on your panels reducing their efficiency.
3) Local regulations: There might also be local building codes or homeowners association rules affecting where or how you can install your system.
Preventative measures against these issues include:
1) For adverse weather conditions - consider using high-efficiency panels that perform better under low light conditions.
2) To prevent shading issues - ensure your site is free from obstructions before installation or trim any nearby trees if possible.
3) Regarding local regulations - make sure to check any restrictions beforehand so you can plan accordingly for a compliant installation.
In conclusion, while Aberdare is not the most ideal location for solar PV systems due to its seasonal variations and potential local issues, with careful planning and the right equipment, it's certainly possible to generate a decent amount of solar energy year-round.
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 754 locations across United Kingdom. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in United Kingdom by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Aberdare
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7345, Longitude: -3.4835 (Aberdare, United Kingdom), 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 Aberdare, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aberdare, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7345, -3.4835) 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 Aberdare, United Kingdom
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 Aberdare, United Kingdom. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35° South in Summer | 55° South in Autumn | 65° 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 Aberdare, United Kingdom
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 Aberdare, United Kingdom.
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 Aberdare, United Kingdom
Aberdare, United Kingdom, is situated in the Cynon Valley area of Rhondda Cynon Taf in Wales. The topography around Aberdare is characterized by rolling hills and valleys as it's located near the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The region has a mix of rural and urban landscapes.
The suitability for large-scale solar PV installations depends on several factors such as sunlight availability, land use restrictions, proximity to power grids, and local regulations among others. Flat or gently sloping areas are generally more suitable for solar farms.
Given that Aberdare is surrounded by hilly terrains which may not be ideal for large scale solar PV installations due to shading issues and installation challenges associated with steep slopes. However, some flat areas could potentially be found in valley bottoms or on artificially flattened land such as former industrial sites.
The nearby coastal regions like Swansea might also be considered because they tend to receive more sunshine than inland areas. Additionally, any unused industrial lands or brownfield sites near Aberdare could also be potential locations due to their existing infrastructure connections.
However, this all needs careful site-specific assessment including environmental impact studies before any decision can be made about suitability for large-scale solar PV installations.
United Kingdom solar PV Stats as a country
United Kingdom ranks 14th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 13,689 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 4.00% of United Kingdom's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 20th in the world). Each year United Kingdom is generating 203 Watts from solar PV per capita (United Kingdom ranks 25th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in United Kingdom?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the United Kingdom. The UK government offers a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme which pays businesses for every unit of electricity they generate from their solar panels. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for tax reliefs such as Enhanced Capital Allowances and Renewable Heat Incentives. Finally, some local authorities offer grants or other financial support to help businesses with the cost of installing solar energy systems.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in United Kingdom? 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: Saturday 27th of April 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
