Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, located in the United Kingdom, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 55.1181 and longitude -6.3348, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy output in Ballymoney fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer proves to be the most productive season, with an average daily output of 4.75kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.34kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in production, with outputs of 1.62kWh/day and 0.78kWh/day respectively.

Optimal Generation Periods

The ideal times for solar energy generation in Ballymoney are during the spring and summer months, typically from April through September. During these periods, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. Conversely, the autumn and winter months, particularly from October to February, experience significantly reduced solar output due to shorter days and lower sun angles.

Panel Installation Considerations

To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 46 degrees facing South. This optimal angle helps to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Ballymoney:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, reducing solar irradiance.
2. Rainfall: Ballymoney has a wet climate, which can affect panel efficiency and require more frequent cleaning.
3. Short winter days: The high latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting solar generation potential.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement an automatic cleaning system to combat the effects of frequent rainfall
• Consider a dual-axis tracking system to maximize light capture, especially during winter months
• Incorporate energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal variations in production

While Ballymoney's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy generation, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option 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 761 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 Ballymoney

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.1181, Longitude: -6.3348 (Ballymoney, 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 46° South in Ballymoney, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ballymoney, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.1181, -6.3348) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Ballymoney, 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 Ballymoney, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
39° South in Summer	58° South in Autumn	68° South in Winter	46° 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 Ballymoney, 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 Ballymoney, 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 Ballymoney, United Kingdom

The topography around Ballymoney, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, low-lying plains, and river valleys. The town itself sits on relatively flat terrain, with an elevation of approximately 30 meters above sea level. As you move outwards from the town center, the landscape gradually becomes more undulating, with subtle changes in elevation. To the north and east of Ballymoney, the land rises slightly, forming a series of small hills and ridges. These areas are predominantly used for agriculture, with a patchwork of fields and pastures dotting the landscape. The River Bush flows to the east of the town, carving a shallow valley through the countryside. Heading south and west from Ballymoney, the terrain becomes more varied. The land gradually rises towards the Antrim Plateau, a large area of upland that dominates much of County Antrim. This transition zone features a mix of gentle slopes and occasional steeper inclines, creating a diverse topographical profile.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Ballymoney for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play, including topography, land use, and access to infrastructure. The most suitable locations would likely be found in the flatter, more open areas surrounding the town. The agricultural lands to the north and east of Ballymoney present potential opportunities for solar development. These areas benefit from relatively level terrain and fewer obstructions, which could maximize solar exposure. However, the use of productive farmland for solar installations may face some resistance from local communities and agricultural interests. The transitional zones between the lowlands and the Antrim Plateau to the south and west might also offer suitable sites for solar PV. These areas often feature south-facing slopes that could enhance solar panel efficiency. However, careful site selection would be necessary to avoid areas with steeper gradients or significant shadowing from nearby hills. It's important to note that while the topography around Ballymoney does offer some potential for large-scale solar PV, the region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and relatively low levels of direct sunlight, may present challenges for solar energy production. Any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider these factors, along with local planning regulations and environmental impact assessments, to determine the most viable locations.

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.