Solar PV Analysis of Bonnybridge, United Kingdom
Bonnybridge, Scotland, United Kingdom, located at latitude 55.9956 and longitude -3.9131, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy output at Bonnybridge varies dramatically across the seasons. Summer is the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.14kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 4.13kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in autumn, with only 1.78kWh/day, and winter sees the lowest output at a mere 0.81kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Bonnybridge is far from ideal for year-round solar energy production. The location experiences a significant solar energy deficit during the autumn and winter months, which could pose challenges for consistent energy supply without additional power sources or storage solutions.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bonnybridge, Scotland, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 47 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors could impede solar production in Bonnybridge:
- Cloud cover: The region is known for frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar energy production.
- Rainfall: Bonnybridge experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Bonnybridge should incorporate high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help offset the impact of rainfall and potential dirt accumulation.
Conclusion
While Bonnybridge's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, it can still benefit from solar PV installations, particularly during the spring and summer months. However, to ensure a stable energy supply, it would be advisable to combine solar with other renewable energy sources or implement robust energy storage solutions to compensate for the low production periods in autumn and winter.
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 Bonnybridge
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.9956, Longitude: -3.9131 (Bonnybridge, 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 47° South in Bonnybridge, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bonnybridge, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.9956, -3.9131) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Bonnybridge, 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 Bonnybridge, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40° South in Summer | 59° South in Autumn | 69° South in Winter | 48° 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 Bonnybridge, 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 Bonnybridge, 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 Bonnybridge, United Kingdom
The area around Bonnybridge, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling lowlands typical of central Scotland. Located in the Forth Valley, the landscape is a mix of urban development, agricultural fields, and scattered woodlands. The terrain is generally flat to slightly undulating, with elevations ranging from about 30 to 100 meters above sea level.
To the north and west of Bonnybridge, the land gradually rises towards the Campsie Fells, a range of hills that form a scenic backdrop to the area. These hills reach heights of around 500 meters and create a more dramatic topography in contrast to the lowlands surrounding Bonnybridge itself.
The River Bonny flows through the area, carving a shallow valley and contributing to the local topography. This waterway, along with its tributaries, has shaped the landscape over time, creating gentle slopes and occasional floodplains.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the gently sloping agricultural lands to the south and east of Bonnybridge offer potential. These areas typically have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels and are generally flatter, which is ideal for solar farms. The open fields between Bonnybridge and Falkirk, as well as the areas around Denny and Larbert, could be considered.
However, it's important to note that the region's relatively northern latitude means it receives less intense sunlight compared to more southern locations. Additionally, the area experiences frequent cloud cover, which can impact solar energy production. Despite these challenges, advancements in solar technology have made it increasingly viable in such climates.
When considering locations for solar PV installations, factors such as existing land use, proximity to power infrastructure, and local planning regulations would need to be taken into account. Agricultural land may be suitable, but there could be competing interests between energy production and food cultivation. Areas near existing electrical substations or power lines might be preferable to minimize the cost of connecting to the grid.
Ultimately, while the topography around Bonnybridge is generally favorable for solar PV in terms of its flatness and openness, the climate and other practical considerations would need to be carefully evaluated to determine the most suitable locations for large-scale solar energy 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 29th of August 2024
Last Updated: Thursday 29th of August 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.
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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.
