Solar PV Analysis of Clitheroe, United Kingdom
Clitheroe, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Clitheroe, England, with an impressive daily output of 5.31kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.39kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 1.94kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 0.90kWh/day in winter.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, indicating that solar energy production in Clitheroe is highly seasonal. The long summer days in this northern latitude contribute significantly to the high summer output, while short, often overcast winter days result in minimal production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Clitheroe, England, the ideal angle to maximize year-round solar production is 45 degrees facing south. This tilt helps to capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons, balancing the low winter sun angle with the higher summer sun position.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Clitheroe: 1. Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter 2. Potential for snow accumulation on panels during winter months
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings to reduce snow adherence and improve self-cleaning. Additionally, a slightly steeper tilt angle might help with snow shedding, although this could slightly reduce overall annual production.
In conclusion, while Clitheroe's location is not ideal for year-round solar production, it can still be a viable option, especially when focusing on maximizing output during the more productive spring and summer months. Proper installation techniques and panel selection can help overcome some of the environmental challenges posed by the local climate.
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 Clitheroe
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.84, Longitude: -2.3915 (Clitheroe, 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 45° South in Clitheroe, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Clitheroe, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.84, -2.3915) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Clitheroe, 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 Clitheroe, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 67° 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 Clitheroe, 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 Clitheroe, 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 Clitheroe, United Kingdom
The area around Clitheroe, United Kingdom, is characterized by diverse and picturesque topography. Situated in the Ribble Valley of Lancashire, Clitheroe is surrounded by gently rolling hills and lush green countryside. The landscape is a mix of open farmland, pastures, and wooded areas, creating a patchwork of natural beauty.
To the east of Clitheroe rises the distinctive landmark of Pendle Hill, which stands at 557 meters (1,827 feet) above sea level. This prominent feature dominates the local skyline and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The western side of Clitheroe is marked by the meandering course of the River Ribble, which carves its way through the valley floor.
The terrain around Clitheroe is generally undulating, with a gradual increase in elevation as you move away from the town center. Small valleys and dips are interspersed throughout the landscape, creating a varied topography that adds to the region's charm.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The ideal locations for solar farms are typically flat or gently sloping areas with minimal shading from hills, trees, or buildings. South-facing slopes are particularly advantageous as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
With this in mind, some of the more suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Clitheroe might include:
- The flatter agricultural lands to the west and southwest of Clitheroe, where the terrain levels out towards the Ribble Valley floor.
- Gently sloping fields to the south and southeast of the town, which may offer good sun exposure and minimal obstruction.
- Open areas to the north of Clitheroe, where the landscape becomes less hilly and more conducive to large installations.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site assessments, environmental impact studies, and approval from local authorities. The rural and scenic nature of the Ribble Valley means that careful consideration would need to be given to the visual impact of such installations on the landscape.
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 20th of August 2024
Last Updated: Tuesday 20th of August 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.
