Barrow-in-Furness, located in the Northern Temperate Zone of the United Kingdom, presents a challenging environment for solar PV energy generation. The location's latitude and longitude (54.1166, -3.235) contribute to significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Energy Output

Solar energy production in Barrow-in-Furness fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer months offer the highest potential, with an average of 5.24 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with 4.26 kWh/day, while autumn sees a significant drop to 1.83 kWh/day. Winter presents the most challenging conditions, with a mere 0.86 kWh/day of output.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable period for solar energy production in Barrow-in-Furness spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy output. However, the substantial decline in production during autumn and winter highlights the limitations of relying solely on solar power in this location year-round.

Panel Installation Considerations

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Barrow-in-Furness, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This optimal tilt angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, compensating for the low sun angle during winter months while still benefiting from the higher summer sun.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Barrow-in-Furness:

• Frequent cloud cover and precipitation, common in the region, can significantly reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels.
• The coastal location may expose panels to salt spray, potentially causing corrosion over time.

To mitigate these challenges, consider using corrosion-resistant materials for mounting systems and panel frames. Additionally, regular cleaning to remove salt deposits and investing in high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions can help maximize energy production despite these environmental factors.

In conclusion, while Barrow-in-Furness is not an ideal location for year-round solar PV energy generation due to its northern latitude and weather patterns, careful installation and maintenance practices can still yield meaningful energy production, particularly during the extended daylight hours of 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 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 Barrow In Furness

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.1166, Longitude: -3.235 (Barrow In Furness, 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:

Average 5.24kWh/day in Summer.

Average 1.83kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.86kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.26kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 45° South in Barrow In Furness, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Barrow In Furness, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.1166, -3.235) 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.

At Latitude: 54.1166, Longitude: -3.235, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 45° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Barrow In Furness, 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 Barrow In Furness, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Barrow In Furness, 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 Barrow In Furness, 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 Barrow In Furness, United Kingdom

Here's a description of the topography around Barrow-in-Furness, UK, and nearby areas suitable for large-scale solar PV:

Barrow-in-Furness is located on the Furness peninsula in Cumbria, northwest England. The town itself is situated on relatively flat land near the coast, but the surrounding area features a diverse topography. To the north and east, the terrain becomes more hilly as it transitions into the southern edges of the Lake District National Park. These hills, while not extremely high, provide a stark contrast to the coastal plains.

The coastline around Barrow-in-Furness is characterized by sandy beaches, mudflats, and small cliffs. Walney Island, just off the coast, is a long, narrow barrier island that helps protect the mainland from the full force of the Irish Sea. The island itself is mostly flat, with some small dunes and beaches.

Inland from Barrow, the landscape gradually rises, forming a series of rolling hills and valleys. This area, known as Low Furness, features a mix of farmland, woodland, and small villages. As you move further north and east, the hills become more pronounced, leading into the more dramatic landscapes of the Lake District.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, there are a few factors to consider. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight. Given these criteria, the following areas near Barrow-in-Furness might be suitable:

1. The coastal plains to the north and south of Barrow: These areas offer flat terrain and minimal shading from hills or mountains.
2. Parts of Walney Island: The island's flat topography could be suitable, though environmental considerations would need to be taken into account.
3. Low Furness: Some of the gently rolling farmland in this area might be appropriate, particularly south-facing slopes.
4. Reclaimed industrial land: Former industrial sites in and around Barrow could potentially be repurposed for solar farms.

It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, grid connection availability, and local planning regulations would also play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV installations. Additionally, the relatively northern latitude of Barrow-in-Furness means that solar irradiance levels are lower than in more southern parts of the UK, which could impact the overall efficiency and economic viability of solar projects in the area.

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.

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