Barra, located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, presents unique challenges and opportunities for solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 56.9746 and longitude -7.4698, this remote island experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy potential in Barra fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer offers the most promising conditions, with an average daily output of 4.88kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29kWh/day. However, production drops significantly during autumn (1.49kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (0.73kWh/day).

These figures indicate that Barra's location is far from ideal for year-round solar energy production. The stark contrast between summer and winter output highlights the challenges faced by solar installations in this northern latitude.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Barra, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 48-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight possible throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several significant factors can impede solar production in Barra:

• Frequent cloud cover and rainfall
• Strong winds and storms
• Short winter days with limited sunlight

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Barra should incorporate robust mounting systems to withstand high winds. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and implementing regular cleaning routines can help maximize energy production during periods of favorable weather.

Conclusion

While Barra's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, the summer months offer significant potential. Careful planning, appropriate technology selection, and regular maintenance can help overcome some of the environmental challenges, making solar PV a viable supplementary energy source for this remote Scottish island.

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 Barra

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.9746, Longitude: -7.4698 (Barra, 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 48° South in Barra, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Barra, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 56.9746, -7.4698) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Barra, 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 Barra, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
41° South in Summer	60° 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 Barra, 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 Barra, 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 Barra, United Kingdom

The topography around Barra, a small island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is characterized by its rugged and varied landscape. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, Barra features a mix of coastal and inland terrain that has been shaped by centuries of wind and wave action. The coastline of Barra is predominantly rocky, with numerous small bays and inlets punctuating its perimeter. These coastal areas often feature steep cliffs and rocky outcrops, interspersed with stretches of white sandy beaches. The most famous of these is Traigh Mhòr, a broad beach on the northern tip of the island that serves as the world's only tidal airport. Inland, the topography of Barra is generally hilly, with the highest point being Heaval, which rises to 383 meters (1,257 feet) above sea level. The interior of the island is dotted with small freshwater lochs and areas of peat bog, typical of the Hebridean landscape. The terrain is largely treeless, with most of the land covered in rough grass, heather, and other low-lying vegetation adapted to the harsh Atlantic climate.

Solar PV Potential

When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, it's important to note that the Outer Hebrides, including Barra, face significant challenges for solar energy production due to their northern latitude and frequently overcast weather conditions. However, if such projects were to be considered, the following areas might be most suitable: The eastern side of Barra, particularly the more gently sloping areas away from the immediate coastline, could potentially accommodate solar installations. These areas receive slightly more shelter from the prevailing westerly winds and might offer more stable ground conditions for mounting solar panels. Nearby islands with larger land areas, such as South Uist to the north, might provide more extensive flat or gently sloping terrain that could be suitable for solar farms. These larger islands may offer more options for finding areas with optimal sun exposure and minimal shading. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar PV projects in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, given the unique and sensitive ecosystems of the Hebridean islands. Additionally, the challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and salt spray from the ocean, would require specially designed and robust solar equipment to withstand the elements.

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.