Cleator Moor, England, a town in Cumbria, United Kingdom, presents a challenging location for year-round solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.18 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.19 kWh daily. However, the performance drops dramatically during autumn and winter, with outputs of 1.77 kWh and 0.82 kWh per day, respectively.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the sunnier and darker months, making Cleator Moor a less-than-ideal location for consistent year-round solar energy production. The period from late spring through early autumn offers the best potential for solar generation.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed panels should be tilted at a 46-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the Earth's elliptical orbit and Cleator Moor's latitude.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several factors can impede solar production in Cleator Moor:

1. Cloud cover: The region is known for frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter.
2. Rainfall: Cumbria experiences higher than average rainfall, which can reduce solar efficiency.
3. Short winter days: Being in the Northern Temperate Zone, Cleator Moor has significantly shorter daylight hours during winter months.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following when installing solar PV systems:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat rain and dust accumulation
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize light capture during shorter days
• Install micro-inverters or power optimizers to improve performance in partial shading

While Cleator Moor faces significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can help maximize the potential during the more favorable months and mitigate the impact of less ideal 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 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 Cleator Moor

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.5225, Longitude: -3.5136 (Cleator Moor, 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 46° South in Cleator Moor, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cleator Moor, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.5225, -3.5136) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Cleator Moor, 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 Cleator Moor, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
38° South in Summer	57° South in Autumn	68° South in Winter	46° 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 Cleator Moor, 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 Cleator Moor, 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 Cleator Moor, United Kingdom

The topography around Cleator Moor, a town in Cumbria, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse landscape that reflects its location on the western edge of the Lake District National Park. The area features a mix of gently rolling hills, open moorland, and shallow valleys. To the east, the terrain gradually rises towards the more mountainous regions of the Lake District, while to the west, the land slopes down towards the coastal plain of the Irish Sea. Cleator Moor itself sits at an elevation of approximately 100 meters above sea level. The surrounding countryside is dotted with small woodlands and agricultural fields, interspersed with streams and becks that wind their way through the landscape. The River Ehen flows near the town, carving a shallow valley as it makes its way westward towards the sea.

Potential 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 ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with good exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from hills or trees. Based on these criteria, the most suitable areas for solar PV development around Cleator Moor would likely be found to the west of the town, where the terrain becomes flatter as it approaches the coast. The agricultural lands and open fields between Cleator Moor and the coastal towns of Whitehaven and Workington could potentially offer suitable sites for solar farms. These areas generally have fewer topographical obstructions and could provide the necessary space for large-scale installations. However, it's important to note that the region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, may impact the overall efficiency of solar energy production. Any potential solar PV developments would need to carefully balance energy production goals with environmental considerations, as well as local planning regulations and the area's agricultural needs. The proximity to the Lake District National Park may also influence the feasibility and approval process for large-scale renewable energy projects in the 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!

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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.