Solar PV Analysis of Burnley, United Kingdom
Burnley, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 53.8055 and longitude -2.2927, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar PV systems in Burnley show their best performance during the summer months, producing an average of 5.31 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, with 4.39 kWh/day per kW. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic drop in energy generation, with outputs of 1.94 kWh/day and 0.90 kWh/day per kW, respectively.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy generation in this location. While summer offers ample sunlight and longer days, the winter months present significant hurdles due to shorter daylight hours and increased cloud cover.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Burnley, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 45 degrees facing south. This angle helps optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun with the higher summer sun path.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Burnley:
- Frequent cloud cover and rainfall, typical of the UK climate, can significantly reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels.
- Short winter days and the low angle of the sun during these months limit energy production.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Burnley:
- Use high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat the effects of rain and potential debris accumulation.
- Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during the limited daylight hours of winter.
While Burnley's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option, particularly during the 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 911 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 Burnley
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.8055, Longitude: -2.2927 (Burnley, 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 45° South in Burnley, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Burnley, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.8055, -2.2927) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Burnley, 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 Burnley, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 67° South in Winter | 46° 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 Burnley, 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 Burnley, 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 Burnley, United Kingdom
The topography around Burnley, United Kingdom, is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, valleys, and moorland. The town itself is situated in a natural bowl-shaped depression, surrounded by higher ground on multiple sides. To the north and east of Burnley, the landscape rises into the Pennine Hills, a range of uplands that forms the backbone of northern England.
The area features several notable hills and elevated areas, including Pendle Hill to the northwest, which stands at approximately 557 meters (1,827 feet) above sea level. To the northeast, you'll find the rugged moorlands of the South Pennines, while to the south and southwest, the terrain gradually becomes less hilly as it transitions into the Lancashire Plain.
Several rivers and streams cut through the landscape around Burnley, including the River Calder and its tributaries. These waterways have carved out valleys over time, creating a varied topography with both steep-sided valleys and broader, flatter areas along the valley floors.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
The ideal locations for solar farms would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Some of the more suitable areas might include:
- The lower-lying agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Burnley, where the terrain is less hilly and there are larger open spaces.
- Some of the broader valley floors, particularly those with a south-facing aspect, which would receive more direct sunlight.
- Certain areas of reclaimed industrial land or brownfield sites in the wider region, which might offer large, open spaces without conflicting with agricultural or residential use.
However, it's important to note that the hilly nature of much of the surrounding area may limit the availability of ideal sites for large-scale solar installations. Additionally, any potential solar farm locations would need to be carefully assessed for their impact on the local landscape, especially given the scenic nature of much of the surrounding countryside.
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: Friday 4th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
