Solar PV Analysis of Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom, is a decent location for solar energy production. The amount of electricity that can be generated from solar panels varies throughout the year due to changes in daylight hours and weather conditions. In simple terms, the more sunlight there is, the more electricity you can produce.
During summer and spring, Basingstoke receives quite a good amount of sunlight with an average output of 5.13kWh/day and 4.36kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar capacity. This means that these are ideal times for generating most solar power at this location.
In contrast, autumn and winter have less sunlight hence lower power generation; with an average output of 2.31kWh/day in Autumn and just 1.07kWh/day in Winter per kW of installed solar.
To maximize total yearly production from your solar panels at this location, it's recommended to tilt them towards south at an angle of about 44 degrees.
However, there are factors that might affect the efficiency of your solar panels in Basingstoke. One major factor could be weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow which may cover up your panels reducing their effectiveness. To prevent this issue from affecting your energy production too much you could install automatic cleaners or heaters on your panel setup to keep them clear all year round.
Also remember that trees or buildings around your property may cast shadows onto the panels during certain times which will also reduce their productivity - so placement should be considered carefully when installing them to avoid any obstructions blocking out precious light!
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 Basingstoke
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.2911, Longitude: -1.0528 (Basingstoke, 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 Basingstoke, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Basingstoke, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.2911, -1.0528) 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 Basingstoke, 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 Basingstoke, 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 | 54° South in Autumn | 65° South in Winter | 43° 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 Basingstoke, 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 Basingstoke, 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 Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Basingstoke is located in the southern part of England, within the county of Hampshire. The topography around Basingstoke is primarily flat to gently rolling lowlands with some hills and small valleys. This area is largely agricultural, with a mix of cultivated fields and pastures.
The River Loddon flows through Basingstoke providing a source of water for irrigation but also contributing to the generally moist climate that may not be ideal for solar PV installations. However, there are many open fields around Basingstoke which could potentially be suitable for large scale solar PV installations.
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, areas with high levels of sunlight and relatively flat terrain are most suitable. In terms of specific locations near Basingstoke that would be well-suited for such installations:
1. Areas south or southeast towards Alton or Farnham might be good options as they tend to get slightly more sun than areas north.
2. Open farmland areas outside the city centre would likely provide enough space without too much shading from trees or buildings.
3. Unused industrial lands could also serve as potential sites if they have good sun exposure.
However, it's important to note that factors like local regulations, proximity to power grids and infrastructure costs will also play a significant role in determining feasibility and overall suitability for a large-scale solar PV project.
Please consult with local authorities or an expert on renewable energy projects in this region before making any decisions based on this information alone!
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: Wednesday 3rd of April 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.
