Solar PV Analysis of Abingdon, United Kingdom
The location in Abingdon, England, United Kingdom, has varied potential for generating energy via solar PV throughout the year. During summer and spring, when there is more sunlight, you can expect to generate more solar energy - around 5.13kWh/day in summer and 4.36kWh/day in spring per kW of installed solar panels. However, during autumn and winter when there are fewer daylight hours and often more cloud cover, you'll see a significant drop in energy production - about 2.31kWh/day in autumn and only about 1.07kWh/day during winter.
To maximize the total amount of solar power produced year-round at this location, it's recommended that fixed panel installations be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing southwards. This is because the sun travels across the sky from east to west but appears higher in the sky towards the south due to Abingdon's position on Earth.
There might be some local factors that could affect how much solar power you can produce here though. For example, if there are a lot of tall buildings or trees near your installation site that cast shadows on your panels for large parts of the day or if there's usually a lot of dust or bird droppings falling on your panels which would block sunlight from reaching them.
To minimize these potential issues:
- Try to install your panels where they won't be shaded by nearby structures or vegetation.
- Regularly clean off any dirt or droppings from your panels so they can absorb as much sunlight as possible.
- Consider installing devices like wind guards if strong winds are common in this area since they can cause damage over time.
Remember though that while these measures will help improve how much energy you generate from your solar PV system at this location; due to its northern latitude and variable weather conditions (like frequent cloud cover), it may not be as efficient as locations closer to equator.
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 Abingdon
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.5014, Longitude: -0.2016 (Abingdon, 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 Abingdon, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Abingdon, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.5014, -0.2016) 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 Abingdon, 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 Abingdon, 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 | 43° 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 Abingdon, 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 Abingdon, 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 Abingdon, United Kingdom
The Abingdon region in the United Kingdom is characterized by a relatively flat topography with gentle rolling hills. It's part of the Thames Valley, so it's largely low-lying land with fertile soil. The River Thames and its tributaries run through this area, which also has several parks and green spaces.
When considering areas for large-scale solar PV installations, factors such as sunlight exposure, land availability and use, proximity to power grids, and local regulations need to be considered.
Given these factors:
1. Unused Farmland: The surrounding agricultural lands could be suitable for solar farms if they are not being used productively for agriculture or if dual-use (agrivoltaics) can be implemented.
2. Industrial Areas: There are several industrial estates in the vicinity that may have large rooftops suitable for installation of solar PV systems.
3. Brownfield Sites: Any unused or abandoned industrial sites (brownfields) could be repurposed into solar farms.
4. Landfills: If there are any closed landfill sites in or around Abingdon, these could potentially be utilized for solar energy generation as well.
5. Large Buildings & Parking Lots: Large commercial buildings like shopping centers or supermarkets often have flat roofs that can accommodate rooftop solar panels. Similarly, carports in large parking lots can also host panels.
It should be noted that all potential sites would need to undergo feasibility studies including environmental impact assessments before proceeding with any installation plans.
Please note that the given coordinates (51.5014,-0.2016) point towards central London rather than Abingdon which is located at approximately 51°40′N 1°17′W.
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: Thursday 11th of January 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.
