Camberley, England, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 51.3391 and longitude -0.7416, offers a moderate potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Camberley peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.08 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 2.25 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 1.03 kWh/day.

The most favorable period for solar generation in Camberley spans from late spring through early autumn, typically from May to September. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Camberley, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 44 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Camberley:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: Camberley experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
3. Short winter days: The area's northern latitude results in limited daylight hours during winter months, affecting solar generation.

Preventative Measures

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

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Install a solar tracking system to maximize sun exposure
• Implement regular panel cleaning to remove dirt and debris
• Consider battery storage to utilize excess energy generated during peak production periods

By addressing these factors and implementing appropriate solutions, solar PV systems in Camberley can still provide a valuable source of renewable energy, despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions typical of the UK climate.

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 756 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 Camberley

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.3391, Longitude: -0.7416 (Camberley, 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 Camberley, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Camberley, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.3391, -0.7416) 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 Camberley, 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 Camberley, 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
35° South in Summer	54° South in Autumn	65° South in Winter	43° 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 Camberley, 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 Camberley, 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 Camberley, United Kingdom

Camberley, located in Surrey, England, sits in an area characterized by gently rolling hills and wooded landscapes. The town itself is situated on relatively flat terrain, but the surrounding area features a mix of low-lying plains and modest elevations. To the north and west of Camberley, the land gradually rises, forming part of the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region around Camberley is dotted with patches of forest, including Swinley Forest to the north and Hawley Woods to the south. These wooded areas contribute to the area's undulating topography, creating a patchwork of open spaces and tree-covered slopes. The nearby Blackwater River valley adds to the landscape's diversity, with its floodplains providing some of the flattest terrain in the vicinity.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Camberley, several factors come into play. Ideal sites would have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from trees or buildings. Based on these criteria, a few areas in the region show promise: The agricultural lands to the south and southeast of Camberley offer some potential. These areas feature more open, less wooded landscapes with gentler slopes, which could accommodate solar arrays without extensive land modification. The fields around Frimley Green and Mytchett, for instance, might be suitable if they're not designated for other important uses. To the east of Camberley, the former Deepcut Barracks site and surrounding areas present another possibility. This area has undergone redevelopment, and any remaining open spaces could be evaluated for solar potential, especially if integrated with new construction projects. The expansive heathlands to the west, including parts of Chobham Common, might also be considered. However, it's crucial to note that many of these areas are protected for their ecological value, so any development would need to be carefully assessed for environmental impact. It's important to remember that while these areas may have suitable topography for solar PV, other factors such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would need to be thoroughly evaluated before any large-scale solar projects could be implemented. Additionally, the UK's climate, with its frequent cloud cover, means that even the best-suited areas may not be as productive for solar energy as locations in sunnier countries.

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.