Solar Energy Potential in Alexandria, Scotland, UK

Alexandria, Scotland, located in the Northern Temperate Zone of the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. The location's latitude and longitude (56.1022, -4.6283) indicate a northern position, which impacts its solar potential throughout the year.

Seasonal Variations

Solar energy production in Alexandria varies significantly across seasons. Summer offers the most promising output, with 4.86kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 3.94kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic drop in production, with 1.47kWh/day and 0.71kWh/day respectively. This stark seasonal contrast means that solar energy generation in Alexandria is most effective from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimizing Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Alexandria, Scotland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 47-degree angle 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 impede solar production in Alexandria: 1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, reducing solar irradiance. 2. Rainfall: Alexandria's climate includes regular precipitation, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency. 3. Short winter days: The northern latitude results in very short daylight hours during winter months, severely limiting solar energy production. To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture
• Explore hybrid systems that combine solar with other renewable sources

While Alexandria's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the more favorable months of the year.

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 Alexandria

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.1022, Longitude: -4.6283 (Alexandria, 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 47° South in Alexandria, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Alexandria, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 56.1022, -4.6283) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
40° South in Summer	59° South in Autumn	70° South in Winter	48° 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, United Kingdom

Alexandria, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 56.1022 and longitude -4.6283, is located in a region characterized by diverse and picturesque topography. The area surrounding Alexandria is part of the scenic Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, known for its stunning landscapes that blend rolling hills, rugged mountains, and serene lochs. The town itself is nestled in the Vale of Leven, a relatively flat area that follows the course of the River Leven as it flows southward from Loch Lomond. To the west of Alexandria, the terrain becomes more elevated, with the Kilpatrick Hills rising to form a natural boundary. These hills, while not particularly high, provide a stark contrast to the flatter valley floor. To the east, the landscape gradually ascends towards the Campsie Fells, a range of hills that dominate the horizon. This area is characterized by gentle slopes and moorland, interspersed with small streams and rocky outcrops. The Campsie Fells offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and are popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts. North of Alexandria, the topography becomes increasingly dramatic as it approaches Loch Lomond. The loch itself is flanked by steep, forested slopes that rise sharply from the water's edge. Ben Lomond, a prominent mountain in the area, stands as a striking landmark, its peak often visible from Alexandria on clear days.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors need to be taken into account. The ideal locations would have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good exposure to sunlight, and minimal shading from surrounding landscape features. The Vale of Leven, where Alexandria is situated, could potentially offer suitable sites for solar PV development. The relatively flat valley floor provides ample space and ease of installation. However, the area's proximity to the town and its importance for agriculture might limit the available land for large-scale projects. Areas to the east, towards the Campsie Fells, might present opportunities for solar PV installations. The gently sloping terrain and open moorland could provide good exposure to sunlight. However, careful consideration would need to be given to the visual impact on the landscape and potential conflicts with recreational use of the area. South of Alexandria, as the Vale of Leven opens up towards the River Clyde, there may be suitable locations for solar farms. This area tends to be flatter and less constrained by steep topography, potentially offering larger continuous areas for development. It's important to note that while the topography around Alexandria offers some potential for solar PV development, the region's northern latitude and frequently overcast weather conditions may impact the overall efficiency and viability of large-scale solar projects. Any development would need to carefully balance energy generation potential with environmental and landscape conservation concerns, particularly given the area's location within a national park.

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.