Clacton-on-Sea, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) panels. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this coastal town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

The summer months offer the most favorable conditions for solar energy generation, with an average daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 4.41 kWh per day. These seasons provide ample sunlight and longer daylight hours, making them ideal for maximizing solar energy production.

However, the picture changes dramatically during autumn and winter. Autumn sees a considerable drop in energy output, with only 2.29 kWh per day. Winter presents the biggest challenge, with a meager 1.03 kWh per day, less than a fifth of the summer output. This stark contrast highlights the limitations of solar energy in Clacton-on-Sea during the colder months.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Clacton-on-Sea, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun with the higher summer sun path.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Clacton-on-Sea:

1. Coastal weather: The town's seaside location can lead to increased cloud cover and fog, potentially reducing solar efficiency.
2. Salt spray: Proximity to the sea may result in salt accumulation on panels, which can decrease their effectiveness over time.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of the solar panels is essential. Additionally, using marine-grade materials and protective coatings can help prevent corrosion and damage from salt exposure. Installing panels at a slightly steeper angle than the optimum can also promote self-cleaning during rainfall, reducing maintenance needs.

In conclusion, while Clacton-on-Sea's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this coastal town.

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 Clacton-on-Sea

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7881, Longitude: 1.1582 (Clacton-on-Sea, 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 Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7881, 1.1582) 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 Clacton-on-Sea, 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 Clacton-on-Sea, 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 Clacton-on-Sea, 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 Clacton-on-Sea, 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 Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom

The topography around Clacton-on-Sea, located on the eastern coast of Essex, England, is predominantly characterized by low-lying, flat terrain. This coastal town sits atop gently sloping cliffs that face the North Sea, with an average elevation of about 20 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape is largely composed of coastal plains and estuarine environments. Inland from Clacton-on-Sea, the terrain remains relatively flat, gradually rising to form subtle undulations as one moves further west. The area is part of the larger East Anglian Plain, a region known for its expansive, open landscapes. The countryside is primarily agricultural, with fields and meadows stretching across the horizon, interspersed with small woodlands and hedgerows.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The flat, open nature of the landscape surrounding Clacton-on-Sea provides favorable conditions for solar energy production. Areas to the west and southwest of the town, where agricultural land dominates, could be particularly suitable. These locations offer several advantages for solar PV development. Firstly, the lack of significant elevation changes means there are fewer obstacles to block sunlight, maximizing potential energy generation. Secondly, the agricultural nature of the land means there are large, uninterrupted spaces that could accommodate extensive solar arrays without major alterations to the existing landscape. However, it's important to note that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account. Additionally, care would need to be taken to balance solar energy development with the preservation of productive agricultural land, which is an important resource in this region. In conclusion, the flat, open terrain around Clacton-on-Sea presents opportunities for large-scale solar PV installations, particularly in the agricultural areas to the west and southwest of the town. However, any such development would need to be carefully planned to ensure it aligns with local needs and environmental considerations.

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.