Solar PV Analysis of Abergavenny, United Kingdom
Abergavenny, Wales, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.42 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.54 kWh/day. These seasons offer the best opportunities for solar energy production in Abergavenny.
However, the picture changes dramatically during the colder months. Autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.31 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 1.05 kWh/day per kW installed. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy generation in this location.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Abergavenny, Wales, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar production in Abergavenny:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rainfall: Abergavenny experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel efficiency if not properly managed.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions.
- Install a robust cleaning system to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance.
- Implement micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading.
While Abergavenny may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable option, 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 911 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 Abergavenny
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.8263, Longitude: -3.0152 (Abergavenny, 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 Abergavenny, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Abergavenny, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.8263, -3.0152) 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 Abergavenny, 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 Abergavenny, 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 Abergavenny, 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 Abergavenny, 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 Abergavenny, United Kingdom
Abergavenny, located in southeastern Wales, is nestled in a picturesque landscape characterized by rolling hills and valleys. The town itself sits at the confluence of several rivers, including the Usk and Gavenny, which have shaped the surrounding terrain over millennia.
To the north and west of Abergavenny, the land rises dramatically into the Brecon Beacons National Park. This area is dominated by rugged mountains and steep slopes, with peaks such as Sugar Loaf and The Skirrid providing stunning backdrops to the town. These higher elevations offer breathtaking views but are generally too steep and exposed for large-scale development.
To the south and east, the landscape becomes gentler, transitioning into the undulating countryside of Monmouthshire. Here, you'll find a patchwork of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered rural settlements. The terrain in this direction is generally more accommodating, with broader valleys and more gradual inclines.
When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Abergavenny, the most promising locations would likely be found in the flatter, more open areas to the south and east of the town. These regions offer several advantages for solar energy development:
1. The gentler slopes provide more consistent sun exposure throughout the day, maximizing energy generation potential.
2. The lower elevations are less prone to extreme weather conditions, which can impact solar panel efficiency and durability.
3. The agricultural nature of the land means there are larger, contiguous areas potentially available for development, allowing for more efficient use of space and infrastructure.
4. These areas are generally closer to existing power distribution networks, potentially reducing the costs associated with connecting new solar installations to the grid.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development would need to carefully consider local environmental impacts, agricultural land use, and community perspectives. The scenic beauty of the region is a significant asset, and any renewable energy projects would need to be sensitively designed and located to minimize visual intrusion on the landscape.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 8th of October 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.
