Solar PV Analysis of Cirencester, United Kingdom
Cirencester, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a moderate opportunity for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average 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, with 2.31 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing only 1.07 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter output highlights the impact of shorter days and lower sun angles during the colder months. This variation suggests that solar energy systems in Cirencester will be most effective from late spring through early autumn.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar production, fixed panels should be installed at a 44-degree angle facing south. This tilt optimizes the capture of available sunlight across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.
Environmental Considerations
While Cirencester's location is generally suitable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can reduce solar efficiency.
- Rainfall: Frequent rain can affect panel performance, though it also helps keep panels clean.
To mitigate these factors, consider using high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help ensure optimal performance, especially during the more productive months.
In conclusion, while Cirencester may not be ideal for year-round solar production compared to sunnier locations, it still offers significant potential, particularly during the spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a valuable contribution to the local energy mix.
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 761 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 Cirencester
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.6816, Longitude: -1.6522 (Cirencester, 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 Cirencester, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cirencester, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.6816, -1.6522) 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 Cirencester, 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 Cirencester, 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 | 55° South in Autumn | 65° 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 Cirencester, 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 Cirencester, 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 Cirencester, United Kingdom
The area around Cirencester, located in the Cotswolds region of England, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys. The landscape is predominantly rural, with a mix of farmland, pastures, and wooded areas. The terrain is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 200 meters above sea level.
The Cotswolds are known for their distinctive limestone hills, which create a series of low ridges and valleys throughout the region. These hills are not particularly steep or dramatic but rather form a series of gentle slopes and plateaus. The area around Cirencester itself is situated in a relatively flat basin, surrounded by slightly higher ground.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered:
1. Flat or gently sloping land: The most suitable areas would be those with minimal slope, ideally facing south or southwest to maximize sun exposure. The relatively flat areas to the south and east of Cirencester could be potential candidates.
2. Open spaces: Large, unobstructed fields or former agricultural lands would be ideal. The rural nature of the region means there are many such areas in the vicinity of Cirencester.
3. Avoiding areas of natural beauty or historical significance: Given that the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), care must be taken to select sites that won't significantly impact the landscape's aesthetic value. Areas outside the AONB boundaries might be more appropriate.
4. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Sites closer to existing electrical grid connections would be preferable. Areas near major roads or industrial zones might offer this advantage.
5. Low flood risk: Higher ground with good drainage would be more suitable than low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Considering these factors, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations might be found in the flatter agricultural lands to the southeast of Cirencester, potentially extending towards Fairford and Lechlade. These areas offer relatively flat terrain, open spaces, and are slightly outside the heart of the Cotswolds AONB. However, any large-scale solar development in this region would require careful planning and consideration of local environmental and aesthetic concerns.
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: Tuesday 8th of October 2024
Last Updated: Tuesday 8th of October 2024
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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.
