Solar PV Analysis of Coleraine, United Kingdom
Coleraine, located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, presents a challenging environment for year-round solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 55.1508 and longitude -6.6176, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Coleraine varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average daily output of 4.75kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.34kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 1.62kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 0.78kWh/day.
These figures highlight that the optimal time for solar energy generation in Coleraine is during the spring and summer months, typically from April through August. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Panel Installation Considerations
To maximize year-round solar production in Coleraine, fixed panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 46 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can significantly impact solar production in Coleraine:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, reducing solar irradiance.
- Rainfall: Coleraine has a wet climate, with rain occurring throughout the year, which can affect panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: The location's high latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting solar generation potential.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat the effects of frequent rainfall and potential debris accumulation
- Consider incorporating solar tracking systems to maximize energy capture during limited daylight hours
- Explore hybrid systems that combine solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round
While Coleraine's location poses challenges for solar PV generation, particularly during autumn and winter, implementing these strategies can help optimize energy production and make solar a viable component of 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 Coleraine
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.1508, Longitude: -6.6176 (Coleraine, 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 Coleraine, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Coleraine, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.1508, -6.6176) 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 Coleraine, 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 Coleraine, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39° South in Summer | 58° 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 Coleraine, 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 Coleraine, 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 Coleraine, United Kingdom
The area around Coleraine, located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, has a diverse and interesting topography. Situated near the northern coast of the country, Coleraine is nestled in a region characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, river valleys, and coastal plains.
To the north of Coleraine, you'll find the picturesque coastline of the North Atlantic Ocean, featuring sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. The famous Giant's Causeway, with its unique hexagonal basalt columns, is located not far from here. Moving inland, the landscape transitions into undulating countryside with lush green fields and scattered woodlands.
The River Bann, which flows through Coleraine, has played a significant role in shaping the local topography. Its wide valley provides areas of flat or gently sloping terrain, particularly as it approaches the coast. To the east and west of the river, the land gradually rises into low hills, providing scenic vistas across the surrounding countryside.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight. Given these criteria, the following areas near Coleraine might be suitable:
1. The coastal plains to the north and northwest of Coleraine offer expansive, open areas with minimal obstruction to sunlight. However, proximity to the coast means careful consideration must be given to potential environmental impacts and visual aesthetics.
2. The broader valley of the River Bann, particularly areas south of Coleraine, provides stretches of flat or gently sloping land that could accommodate large solar installations. These areas often have good road access, which is beneficial for construction and maintenance.
3. Some of the more gradual hillsides to the east and west of Coleraine might also be suitable, especially south-facing slopes that receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, care would need to be taken to avoid areas of significant natural beauty or ecological importance.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, any large-scale solar PV project would need to undergo rigorous environmental assessments, planning procedures, and community consultations before being approved. The relatively northern latitude of Coleraine also means that solar irradiance levels are lower than in more southerly regions, which could impact the efficiency and economic viability of large-scale solar projects in this area.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 15th of October 2024
Last Updated: Tuesday 15th 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.
