The location in Ashtead, England, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 51.3115 and longitude -0.2918, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Ashtead, England, with an impressive daily output of 5.08 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29 kWh per day. These seasons offer the best conditions for solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies. However, the picture changes dramatically during the colder months. Autumn sees a significant drop in production, with only 2.25 kWh per day. Winter presents the biggest challenge, with a meager 1.03 kWh daily output, less than a fifth of the summer production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ashtead, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Ashtead: 1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Rain: Frequent rainfall, especially during autumn and winter, can further diminish solar output. To mitigate these issues, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels that perform better in low-light conditions
• Install a robust cleaning system to keep panels free from dirt and debris
• Implement a solar tracking system to maximize exposure to available sunlight

While Ashtead's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and equipment choices can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area.

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 Ashtead

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.3115, Longitude: -0.2918 (Ashtead, 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 Ashtead, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ashtead, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.3115, -0.2918) 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 Ashtead, 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 Ashtead, 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	54° 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 Ashtead, 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 Ashtead, 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 Ashtead, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Ashtead, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling hills and a mix of suburban and rural landscapes. Located in the county of Surrey, Ashtead sits on the northern edge of the North Downs, a ridge of chalk hills that stretches across southeastern England. The topography in this region is generally undulating, with subtle variations in elevation that create a picturesque countryside setting. To the north of Ashtead, the land gradually flattens out towards the Thames Valley, while to the south, the terrain becomes more pronounced as it rises towards the higher elevations of the North Downs. The area features a combination of open fields, wooded areas, and residential developments, typical of the transition zone between London's urban sprawl and the more rural parts of Surrey.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would typically be relatively flat, open areas with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on the topography around Ashtead, a few potential areas stand out: The agricultural lands to the south and southeast of Ashtead, stretching towards Leatherhead and Fetcham, offer some promise. These areas tend to have larger, open fields that could potentially accommodate solar arrays without significant disruption to residential areas. To the northeast, the more level terrain between Ashtead and Epsom might also present opportunities for solar development. This area includes some open spaces and less densely populated zones that could be suitable for larger installations. However, it's important to note that the region around Ashtead is part of the Green Belt, which places restrictions on development to preserve the countryside. Any large-scale solar projects would need to carefully navigate these regulations and consider their impact on the local landscape and environment. Additionally, the gently sloping hillsides to the south, facing north towards Ashtead, might be less ideal for solar PV due to reduced sun exposure. The most efficient solar installations in the Northern Hemisphere typically face south to maximize sunlight capture. Ultimately, while the topography around Ashtead offers some potential for solar PV development, any large-scale projects would need to balance energy production goals with environmental conservation and local planning regulations.

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.