Solar PV Analysis of Attleborough, United Kingdom
Attleborough, a town in Norfolk, England, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.04 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.38 kWh daily. These seasons offer the best conditions for solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies.
However, the picture changes dramatically during autumn and winter. Autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.27 kWh per day, while winter plummets to a mere 1.04 kWh daily. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy reliance in Attleborough's climate.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This optimal tilt helps capture the most sunlight across all seasons, balancing the lower winter sun with the higher summer sun.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Attleborough:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rain and humidity: Frequent precipitation and high humidity levels can decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, consider using high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can also help offset the effects of rain and humidity. Additionally, installing a slightly oversized system can help compensate for lower production during less favorable periods.
While Attleborough's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and optimized installation can still yield substantial benefits, 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 Attleborough
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.5165, Longitude: 1.0231 (Attleborough, 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 45° South in Attleborough, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Attleborough, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.5165, 1.0231) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Attleborough, 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 Attleborough, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36° South in Summer | 56° South in Autumn | 66° 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 Attleborough, 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 Attleborough, 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 Attleborough, United Kingdom
The area around Attleborough, located in Norfolk, England, is characterized by a relatively flat and gently undulating landscape. This part of East Anglia is known for its low-lying terrain, with only subtle variations in elevation across the region. The countryside surrounding Attleborough consists primarily of agricultural land, including fields, meadows, and scattered woodlands.
The topography in this area is largely shaped by glacial activity from the last ice age, resulting in a mix of clay-rich soils and sandy deposits. Small rivers and streams meander through the landscape, contributing to the subtle contours of the land. While there are no dramatic hills or valleys, the terrain does have a slight overall slope, gradually descending from west to east towards the North Sea coast, which is approximately 30 miles away.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain around Attleborough is generally favorable for solar farms, as it minimizes shading issues and simplifies construction. Areas to the south and east of Attleborough might be particularly well-suited due to their slightly more open landscapes with fewer obstructions.
Ideal locations for solar PV would be on land that is currently used for low-yield agriculture or on brownfield sites that are not suitable for other developments. Large, open fields with good exposure to the southern sky would be prime candidates. It's important to note that while the terrain is suitable, other factors such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the best sites for solar PV development.
Areas to avoid would include any protected landscapes, sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs), or locations with significant historical or archaeological value. Additionally, land prone to flooding or with dense tree cover would be less suitable for solar PV installations.
In summary, the gently rolling agricultural landscape around Attleborough offers good potential for solar PV development, with the most suitable areas likely being found on underutilized farmland or previously developed sites that offer unobstructed southern exposure and easy access to the electrical grid.
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: Friday 6th of September 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.
