The location of Bridgnorth, England, United Kingdom, situated at 52.5122°N, -2.3718°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderate potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. However, the efficiency of solar power production varies significantly across seasons due to the region's latitude and climate.

Seasonal Variations

Solar energy production in Bridgnorth experiences substantial fluctuations throughout the year. Summer months offer the highest yield, with an average of 5.21 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.35 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 2.08 kWh/day, while winter months produce the least at 0.96 kWh/day.

The most favorable period for solar energy generation in Bridgnorth spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Bridgnorth, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Bridgnorth:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Bridgnorth receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, which may temporarily decrease panel output.
3. Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in significantly shorter days during winter months, limiting solar energy production.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Install a solar tracking system to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day.
• Regularly clean panels to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate due to rainfall.
• Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, to compensate for reduced solar output during winter months.

While Bridgnorth's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and preventative measures can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area.

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 763 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 Bridgnorth

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.5122, Longitude: -2.3718 (Bridgnorth, 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 Bridgnorth, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bridgnorth, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.5122, -2.3718) 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 Bridgnorth, 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 Bridgnorth, 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
36° South in Summer	55° South in Autumn	66° South in Winter	44° 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 Bridgnorth, 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 Bridgnorth, 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 Bridgnorth, United Kingdom

The topography around Bridgnorth, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines rolling hills, river valleys, and gently undulating terrain. The town itself is situated on the banks of the River Severn, which has carved a picturesque valley through the surrounding countryside. This river valley is flanked by higher ground on both sides, creating a striking contrast between the low-lying areas near the water and the elevated regions nearby. To the west of Bridgnorth, the land gradually rises towards the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area features a series of rounded hills and ridges, with some reaching heights of over 500 meters above sea level. The eastern side of Bridgnorth is generally flatter, with more gentle slopes and open farmland stretching out towards the neighboring counties.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Bridgnorth, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would typically be those with good sun exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal shading from surrounding features. The gently sloping farmlands to the east and southeast of Bridgnorth could potentially offer suitable sites for solar PV installations. These areas tend to have fewer steep hills and more open spaces, which would allow for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels. Additionally, the slightly elevated positions of some of these fields could provide good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Another potential area for solar PV development might be found in the broader, flatter sections of the Severn Valley, particularly to the north and south of Bridgnorth. While care would need to be taken to avoid flood-prone areas close to the river, the valley's orientation could provide favorable conditions for solar energy capture. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require careful environmental assessment and planning permission. The visual impact on the landscape, particularly in areas of natural beauty, would need to be carefully considered. Additionally, the agricultural value of the land and its current use would play a significant role in determining the feasibility of such 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.