Corsham, England, a town in Wiltshire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed landscape for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Corsham fluctuates dramatically across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.36 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 4.48 kWh/day. However, the output drops significantly during autumn to 2.25 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 1.01 kWh/day in winter.

This stark contrast highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round. The summer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn, offer the most favorable conditions for solar energy generation. During this period, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to peak performance.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Corsham, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 43 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the Earth's orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar production in Corsham: 1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar output. 2. Rainfall: Corsham experiences substantial rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency. To mitigate these issues, consider using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can also help maximize energy capture during less favorable weather.

While Corsham's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and technology choices can help optimize output. The substantial summer and spring yields can partially offset the reduced winter performance, making solar a viable, though variable, energy source in this area.

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 Corsham

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.4271, Longitude: -2.2106 (Corsham, 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 43° South in Corsham, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Corsham, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.4271, -2.2106) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Corsham, 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 Corsham, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° 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	54° South in Autumn	65° South in Winter	43° 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 Corsham, 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 Corsham, 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 Corsham, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Corsham in Wiltshire, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Cotswold landscape. This picturesque region features a mix of open farmland, scattered woodlands, and small villages nestled among the undulating terrain. The topography is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 50 to 200 meters above sea level. To the north and east of Corsham, the land gradually rises towards the southern edge of the Cotswold Hills. This area is marked by a series of low ridges and shallow valleys, creating a patchwork of fields and hedgerows. The landscape becomes slightly more dramatic as you move towards the northwest, with steeper hillsides and more pronounced valleys.

Solar PV Potential

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently sloping fields to the south and southwest of Corsham offer promising locations for solar farms. These areas benefit from a southerly aspect, which maximizes exposure to sunlight throughout the day. The relatively open landscape in this direction also means fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. Another potentially suitable area lies to the east of Corsham, where expansive agricultural fields provide ample space for large-scale solar installations. The terrain here is relatively flat, which simplifies the construction process and allows for more efficient arrangement of solar panels. It's important to note that while the topography around Corsham is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar developments. The areas immediately surrounding the town itself and those designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) would likely be less suitable for large-scale solar installations due to aesthetic and conservation concerns. However, the abundance of gently sloping agricultural land in the wider region presents numerous opportunities for solar energy development, provided it is done in a way that balances energy production with landscape preservation and local community interests.

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.