Solar PV Analysis of Chichester, United Kingdom
The location at Chichester, England, United Kingdom is fairly decent for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. In simple terms, a solar PV system converts sunlight into electricity.
During summer and spring, the amount of electricity generated is quite good with an output of 5.79 kWh/day and 5.12 kWh/day per kW of installed solar respectively. This means that these seasons are the most ideal times to generate solar energy in this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
On the other hand, autumn and winter see a significant drop in production due to shorter days and less intense sunlight - producing only 2.59 kWh/day and 1.09 kWh/day per kW installed respectively.
For best results from a fixed panel installation at this location, it's recommended to tilt panels at an angle of 43 degrees facing South to maximise total year-round production from solar PV systems.
As for environmental or weather factors that could hinder solar production in Chichester; cloudy weather can reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching your panels which would lower their efficiency. Also, dust or debris on panels can block sunlight so regular cleaning may be necessary especially during periods when there's less rain to naturally clean them off.
Preventative measures that can be taken include installing trackers which allow your panels to follow the sun across its path through the sky – increasing their exposure time significantly – but this would also increase costs considerably too; so it might not always be worth it depending on how much you're willing or able to invest initially.
Another measure could be installing additional capacity during installation phase itself anticipating lower productivity during autumn/winter months although again this depends on budget constraints as well as available space for extra installations etc.
Regular maintenance including professional checks/cleaning services every now & then will also help ensure greater energy production by keeping your system running optimally all year round despite any adverse local conditions.
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 Chichester
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.8388, Longitude: -0.777 (Chichester, 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 43° South in Chichester, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Chichester, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 50.8388, -0.777) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Chichester, 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 Chichester, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° 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 | 64° 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 Chichester, 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 Chichester, 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 Chichester, United Kingdom
Chichester is located in the county of West Sussex, on the southern coast of England. The topography around Chichester is relatively flat with gentle undulations. It's surrounded by fertile farmland to the north and west, while to the south lies Chichester Harbour and its associated wetlands.
The area has a mix of rural open spaces interspersed with woodland areas. The South Downs National Park lies just to the north/northwest of Chichester, featuring rolling hills and chalk downland.
As for suitability for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations:
1. Flat agricultural land: Given that there are extensive farmlands around Chichester, these could be potential sites for large-scale solar farms if they don't interfere with farming activities or aren't on high-grade agricultural soil.
2. Brownfield sites: If there are any disused industrial or commercial sites around Chichester, these could also be suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations as it would not involve taking away valuable agricultural land or natural habitats.
3. Rooftops: Large buildings such as warehouses or factories in industrial estates near Chichester may have ample roof space that can accommodate a significant number of solar panels.
4. Car parks: Large car parks can also be fitted with solar carports which not only generate electricity but provide shade and some protection from weather elements for parked vehicles.
However, any proposal must consider environmental impacts especially due to proximity to sensitive ecosystems like wetlands in Chichefter Harbour Area and South Down National Park nearby.
It's important to note that local planning regulations will play a big part in determining where such an installation can go ahead so consultation with local planning authorities would be necessary before proceeding with any project.
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: Wednesday 15th of May 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.
