Bargoed, a town in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Bargoed fluctuates considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.42 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.54 kWh/day. However, the output drops significantly during autumn (2.31 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.05 kWh/day).

These figures indicate that Bargoed's location is most favorable for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to higher energy yields. Conversely, the winter months present challenges due to shorter days and increased cloud cover, resulting in substantially reduced solar output.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bargoed, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Bargoed:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloudy conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: Bargoed, like much of Wales, receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel efficiency.
3. Air pollution: While not as severe as in larger urban areas, air pollution can still impact solar panel performance.

Preventative Measures

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

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions.
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance.
• Consider installing a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during the less productive months.
• Explore the use of bifacial solar panels, which can capture reflected light and potentially increase overall energy yield.

While Bargoed's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and preventative measures 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 763 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 Bargoed

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.712, Longitude: -3.2656 (Bargoed, 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 Bargoed, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bargoed, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.712, -3.2656) 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 Bargoed, 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 Bargoed, 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	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 Bargoed, 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 Bargoed, 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 Bargoed, United Kingdom

The topography around Bargoed, United Kingdom, is characterized by its location in the heart of the South Wales Valleys. This area is known for its distinctive landscape of steep-sided valleys and rounded hilltops, formed by ancient glacial activity and subsequent erosion. Bargoed itself sits in the Rhymney Valley, with the town nestled on the eastern slopes of the valley. The surrounding terrain is generally hilly and undulating, with elevations ranging from around 150 meters above sea level in the valley bottom to over 400 meters on the nearby hilltops. The landscape is a mix of urban development, agricultural land, and areas of woodland, particularly on the steeper slopes and hilltops. Rivers and streams are common features in the area, with the Rhymney River flowing through the valley bottom. The valley sides are often quite steep, creating a dramatic backdrop to the town and surrounding villages. This topography has historically influenced settlement patterns and land use in the region, with most development concentrated along the valley floors and lower slopes.

Suitability 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: South-facing slopes: The gently sloping areas on the eastern side of the Rhymney Valley and similar nearby valleys could be suitable for solar PV installations. These areas would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, maximizing energy generation potential. Hilltops and plateaus: The rounded hilltops and plateau areas surrounding Bargoed might offer good potential for solar farms. These elevated areas typically have fewer obstructions to sunlight and could provide ample space for large installations. Former industrial sites: The region has a history of coal mining and heavy industry. Reclaimed or brownfield sites in the vicinity, particularly those on relatively flat ground, could be repurposed for solar energy generation. Agricultural land: Some of the less productive agricultural land on the valley sides or hilltops might be suitable for solar PV installations, provided it doesn't conflict with food production or environmental protections. It's important to note that while the topography offers some potentially suitable areas for solar PV, other factors such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when determining the most appropriate locations for large-scale solar installations in the region around Bargoed.

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.