Solar PV Analysis of Battersea, United Kingdom
Battersea, England, located in London, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Battersea, England, with an average daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.36 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in energy production, with autumn yielding 2.31 kWh/day and winter plummeting to a mere 1.07 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, with summer producing nearly five times more energy than winter. This disparity underscores the importance of efficient energy storage solutions to balance out the seasonal fluctuations.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering fixed solar panel installations in Battersea, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 44 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize solar capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Battersea's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors that could impact solar production:
- Cloud cover: London's notorious cloudy weather can significantly reduce solar efficiency, especially during autumn and winter.
- Air pollution: Being in a major urban area, Battersea may experience reduced solar irradiance due to air pollution and smog.
To mitigate these issues, consider using high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can also help combat the effects of air pollution. Additionally, implementing a smart energy management system can optimize energy use during periods of lower production.
In conclusion, while Battersea's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, the substantial output during spring and summer makes it a viable option for renewable energy. With proper planning and technology, these seasonal variations can be effectively managed to ensure a reliable solar energy system.
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 756 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 Battersea
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.4719, Longitude: -0.1616 (Battersea, 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 Battersea, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Battersea, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.4719, -0.1616) 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 Battersea, 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 Battersea, 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 | 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 Battersea, 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 Battersea, 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 Battersea, United Kingdom
Battersea, located in southwest London, United Kingdom, is situated in a relatively flat urban area along the south bank of the River Thames. The topography of Battersea and its surrounding areas is characterized by low-lying terrain with minimal elevation changes. This part of London is built on what was once marshy floodplains, which have been extensively developed over centuries.
The immediate area around Battersea is predominantly urban, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. The landscape is dotted with parks and open spaces, such as Battersea Park, which provide some green relief in the otherwise built-up environment. To the north, the River Thames forms a significant topographical feature, with the land gently sloping towards the riverbank.
As you move further out from Battersea, the terrain remains generally flat, with subtle undulations. To the south and southwest, the land gradually rises towards areas like Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common, but these elevation changes are modest compared to more hilly regions of the UK.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, it's important to note that the dense urban nature of Battersea and its surroundings presents challenges for such projects. However, some potential areas that might be considered include:
- Industrial zones: Areas like the Nine Elms development or former industrial sites along the river could potentially accommodate rooftop solar installations on large warehouses or new buildings.
- Brownfield sites: Any undeveloped or derelict land in the vicinity could be repurposed for solar farms, though such spaces are limited in this urban setting.
- Large institutional buildings: The rooftops of schools, hospitals, or government buildings in the broader area could be utilized for solar panel installations.
- Transport infrastructure: Railway lines, stations, and depots in the area might offer space for solar panels, either on rooftops or as canopies over platforms or parking areas.
It's worth noting that due to the urban nature of Battersea and its surroundings, truly large-scale solar PV projects would likely need to be located further out in more rural areas of Greater London or neighboring counties where more open space is available. The potential for solar energy in this area would primarily be through smaller-scale installations on existing buildings and infrastructure rather than dedicated solar farms.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 16th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 16th of September 2024
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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.
