Solar PV Analysis of Chessington, United Kingdom
Chessington, England, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 51.3604 and longitude -0.3023, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Chessington follows a predictable pattern aligned with the meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.36 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn (2.31 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.07 kWh/day).
These figures highlight the substantial difference between peak and off-peak seasons, with summer producing nearly five times more energy than winter. This variation underscores the importance of efficient energy storage solutions to balance out the seasonal disparities.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Chessington, England, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Chessington's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can reduce solar panel output.
- Rain and humidity: Frequent rainfall and high humidity levels may affect panel performance and require regular cleaning.
To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented during solar panel installation:
1. Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions, which are common during cloudy days.
2. Install a robust mounting system to withstand potential strong winds and ensure panels remain securely in place.
3. Implement an automated cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate due to rain and humidity.
4. Consider incorporating microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
By addressing these factors, solar installations in Chessington can achieve better energy production and longevity, making the most of the available solar resources throughout the year.
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 Chessington
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.3604, Longitude: -0.3023 (Chessington, 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 Chessington, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Chessington, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.3604, -0.3023) 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 Chessington, 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 Chessington, 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 Chessington, 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 Chessington, 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 Chessington, United Kingdom
Chessington, located in the southwestern part of Greater London, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the North Downs region. The area around Chessington features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat expanses. The elevation generally ranges from about 30 to 60 meters above sea level, with some slightly higher points in the surrounding countryside.
To the north and east of Chessington, the land is mostly flat or gently undulating, with some areas of parkland and open fields. As you move south and west, the terrain becomes more varied, with modest hills and shallow valleys becoming more pronounced. The nearby Epsom Downs, located a few kilometers to the south, represent some of the higher elevations in the vicinity.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideal locations for solar farms typically include:
- Large, open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Gently sloping or flat terrain, preferably facing south
- Areas with good access to the electrical grid
- Land that is not prime agricultural land or ecologically sensitive
Given these criteria, some of the more suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Chessington might include:
- The relatively flat agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Chessington, towards Leatherhead and Ashtead
- Open areas to the east, in the direction of Malden Rushett and Claygate
- Some of the less densely wooded parts of Ashtead Common to the southeast
- Portions of the former Wisley Airfield site, located about 10 kilometers to the southwest
It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to undergo rigorous planning and environmental assessments. The proximity to London and the presence of protected green belt land in the area may pose challenges for extensive solar farm development. Smaller-scale installations on existing buildings or brownfield sites might be more feasible in this largely suburban region.
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 26th of July 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.
