Abertillery, Wales, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed scenario 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 kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.54 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.31 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest generation, with a mere 1.05 kWh/day.

These figures highlight that Abertillery's solar potential is heavily concentrated in the spring and summer months, making it crucial to maximize energy capture during this period. The substantial difference between summer and winter output underscores the challenges of relying solely on solar power year-round in this location.

Optimal Panel Installation

To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps balance the varying sun angles throughout the year, optimizing energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Abertillery's location doesn't present any extreme environmental challenges, there are factors that could impact solar production:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: Regular precipitation in the region may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions can help maintain better performance during cloudy days.

In conclusion, while Abertillery's solar potential is not ideal year-round, proper panel orientation and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable supplementary energy source, particularly during the more productive 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 756 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 Abertillery

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7278, Longitude: -3.1399 (Abertillery, 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 Abertillery, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Abertillery, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7278, -3.1399) 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 Abertillery, 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 Abertillery, 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 Abertillery, 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 Abertillery, United Kingdom.

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 Abertillery, United Kingdom

The topography around Abertillery, a town in South Wales, United Kingdom, is characterized by its location within a steep-sided valley. Situated in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, Abertillery is nestled between rolling hills and mountains that are typical of this region. The town itself lies at the bottom of the valley, with the surrounding landscape rising sharply on all sides. To the east and west of Abertillery, the terrain is dominated by steep, often forested hillsides. These slopes are part of the larger Ebbw Fach valley system, which runs roughly north to south. The hills reach heights of several hundred meters above sea level, creating a dramatic backdrop for the town and its surroundings. To the north, the landscape becomes more rugged and mountainous, with the Brecon Beacons National Park lying not far beyond. This area is characterized by higher elevations, exposed moorland, and rocky outcrops. To the south, the valley gradually opens up as it approaches the coastal plain of South Wales.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors must be taken into account. The steep-sided valley topography around Abertillery presents some challenges for solar energy development, but there are still potential opportunities in the region. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found on the more gently sloping terrain to the south of Abertillery, where the valley begins to widen. These areas may offer larger, flatter expanses of land that could accommodate solar arrays more easily. Additionally, south-facing slopes in the vicinity could potentially be utilized for solar installations, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, it's important to note that the region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, may impact the overall efficiency of solar PV systems. Furthermore, any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned to minimize environmental impact and visual intrusion in this scenic area. Ultimately, while the immediate surroundings of Abertillery may not be ideal for large-scale solar PV due to the steep topography, there may be suitable sites within a broader radius that could be considered for such projects. Detailed site surveys and environmental assessments would be necessary to identify the most appropriate locations for solar energy development in this region.

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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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.