Blyth, England, United Kingdom, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation. This coastal town in Northumberland experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Blyth varies dramatically across the seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.28 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.53 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in autumn, with only 1.82 kWh/day, and winter sees a further drop to a mere 0.74 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Blyth's location is far from ideal for consistent year-round solar energy production. The stark contrast between summer and winter output highlights the challenges faced in maintaining steady energy generation throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Blyth, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 46 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons, considering the town's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Blyth: 1. Coastal weather: Frequent cloud cover and fog can reduce solar irradiance. 2. Short winter days: Blyth's northern latitude results in limited daylight hours during winter months.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures: 1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions. 2. Implement regular cleaning schedules to combat salt spray and seabird droppings. 3. Consider a hybrid system with wind energy to complement solar during less productive months.

While Blyth's location isn't ideal for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, particularly during the more productive spring and 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 Blyth

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.1298, Longitude: -1.5626 (Blyth, 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 Blyth, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Blyth, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.1298, -1.5626) 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 Blyth, 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 Blyth, 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 Blyth, 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 Blyth, 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 Blyth, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Blyth, United Kingdom, located at latitude 55.1298 and longitude -1.5626, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating topography. Situated on the northeastern coast of England, Blyth itself is primarily flat, with the land gradually rising as you move inland from the North Sea shoreline. To the west and southwest of Blyth, the terrain becomes more varied, featuring rolling hills and shallow valleys. This area is part of the larger Northumberland landscape, known for its gentle slopes and open countryside. The land is a mix of agricultural fields, pastures, and scattered woodlands, creating a patchwork of green spaces interspersed with small settlements.

Coastal Features

Along the coastline, Blyth boasts sandy beaches and low cliffs. The River Blyth estuary, which flows into the North Sea, has shaped the local landscape, creating a natural harbor and influencing the development of the town. North of Blyth, the coastline continues with a mix of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, while to the south, the shoreline is characterized by long stretches of sand dunes and flat coastal plains.

Inland Topography

As you move further inland, the landscape becomes more pronounced with higher hills and deeper valleys. The terrain is generally open, with few steep slopes or dramatic changes in elevation. This gentle topography is typical of much of Northumberland, offering wide-open views across the countryside.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Blyth, several factors come into play. The gently sloping terrain to the west and southwest of Blyth presents promising opportunities for solar farms. These areas benefit from: 1. Open landscapes with minimal shading from natural features or buildings 2. South-facing slopes that can maximize sun exposure throughout the day 3. Relatively low agricultural grade land that could be repurposed for solar energy production Specifically, the rural areas between Blyth and Cramlington, as well as the countryside surrounding Bedlington and Ashington, could offer suitable locations for solar PV installations. These regions provide a good balance of open space, favorable topography, and proximity to existing infrastructure. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to consider local planning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and the visual effect on the landscape. The coastal areas, while benefiting from unobstructed horizons, may be less suitable due to their scenic value and potential impact on tourism. In conclusion, the varied but gentle topography around Blyth offers several promising locations for solar PV development, particularly in the inland areas to the west and southwest. These regions combine favorable terrain with the necessary space for large-scale installations, making them potential candidates for future renewable energy projects.

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.