Solar Energy Potential in Blaydon, England, UK

Blaydon, England, located in the United Kingdom, has a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer proves to be the most productive season for solar energy in Blaydon, England, with an average daily output of 4.93 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.20 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 1.88 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter with a mere 0.82 kWh/day.

Optimal Panel Placement

To maximize year-round solar production in Blaydon, England, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 46-degree angle facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Challenges and Solutions

The primary challenge for solar energy production in Blaydon is the significant drop in output during autumn and winter months. This reduction is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and increased cloud cover typical of the UK climate. To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, especially during autumn and winter
• Consider a hybrid system that combines solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round

While Blaydon's location may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, implementing these strategies can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area. The substantial output during spring and summer months can still contribute significantly to overall energy needs, making solar a viable option for supplementing traditional energy sources.

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 754 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 Blaydon

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.9589, Longitude: -1.7124 (Blaydon, 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 46° South in Blaydon, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Blaydon, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.9589, -1.7124) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Blaydon, 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 Blaydon, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
38° South in Summer	58° South in Autumn	68° South in Winter	47° 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 Blaydon, 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 Blaydon, 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 Blaydon, United Kingdom

The area around Blaydon, United Kingdom, located at latitude 54.9589 and longitude -1.7124, is characterized by a varied topography that reflects its position in the Tyne Valley. Situated on the southern bank of the River Tyne, Blaydon's landscape is a mix of gently rolling hills, river floodplains, and urban development. To the south of Blaydon, the terrain gradually rises, forming part of the Pennine foothills. This area features a series of low hills and ridges, with elevations generally increasing as you move further south. The landscape is dotted with a patchwork of fields, woodlands, and small settlements, creating a semi-rural atmosphere. The River Tyne dominates the northern part of Blaydon's topography. The river valley is relatively wide and flat, with alluvial deposits forming fertile floodplains. These low-lying areas have historically been used for agriculture and, more recently, for industrial and urban development. To the east and west of Blaydon, the landscape continues to undulate, with a mix of gentle slopes and flatter areas. The region's geology, shaped by ancient glacial activity, has resulted in a diverse terrain with occasional outcrops of bedrock and areas of glacial till.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations near Blaydon, several factors need to be taken into account, including topography, land use, and solar irradiance. Based on these considerations, the following areas might be most suitable: The gently sloping hillsides to the south of Blaydon offer potential for solar PV installations. These areas generally have a southerly aspect, which is ideal for maximizing solar energy capture. The elevated position also reduces the risk of shading from nearby structures or vegetation. Some of the flatter areas in the Tyne Valley, particularly those not prone to flooding, could be suitable for solar farms. These locations offer ease of access and installation, though care would need to be taken to avoid prime agricultural land. Former industrial sites or brownfield areas in the wider region around Blaydon might be appropriate for solar PV development. These locations often have the advantage of existing infrastructure and minimal impact on greenfield sites. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific assessments, including environmental impact studies and planning permissions. The suitability of any particular area would depend on a range of factors beyond just topography, including grid connection availability, local planning policies, and community acceptance.

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.