Cranfield, England, United Kingdom, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderate location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The site's latitude and longitude (52.0696, -0.6046) contribute to varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Cranfield fluctuates significantly between seasons. Summer months yield the highest output at 5.15 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with 4.29 kWh/day, while autumn sees a notable decrease to 2.24 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest production at just 1.08 kWh/day per kW installed.

The most favorable period for solar energy generation in Cranfield spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Cranfield, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 44 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors in Cranfield may impact solar energy production:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Cranfield experiences regular precipitation, potentially affecting panel performance.
3. Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in limited daylight hours during winter months.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Install a robust cleaning system to combat rainfall and dust accumulation
• Implement solar tracking systems to maximize exposure during shorter winter days
• Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources during low-production periods

While Cranfield's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and technology selection can help optimize output and ensure a reliable renewable energy source.

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 754 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 Cranfield

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0696, Longitude: -0.6046 (Cranfield, 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:

Average 5.15kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.24kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.08kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.29kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 44° South in Cranfield, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cranfield, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.0696, -0.6046) 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.

At Latitude: 52.0696, Longitude: -0.6046, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 44° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Cranfield, 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 Cranfield, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Cranfield, 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 Cranfield, 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 Cranfield, United Kingdom

The area around Cranfield, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the English Midlands. The landscape is predominantly rural, with a mix of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered settlements. The terrain is generally low-lying, with subtle variations in elevation throughout the region.

Cranfield itself sits on a slight ridge, with the land gradually sloping down towards the north and east. To the south and west, the terrain remains relatively flat, with occasional gentle hills and shallow valleys. The nearby River Great Ouse meanders through the landscape, creating a subtle floodplain that adds to the area's topographical diversity.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found in the flatter, open spaces surrounding Cranfield. The gently sloping fields to the south and southwest of Cranfield offer promising potential for solar farms. These areas benefit from minimal shading from natural features and generally face southward, which is ideal for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day.

Additionally, the expansive agricultural lands to the east and northeast of Cranfield could be suitable for solar PV development. These areas are characterized by large, open fields with few obstructions, providing ample space for solar panel arrays. The relatively flat terrain in these directions would simplify installation and reduce the need for extensive land preparation.

It's important to note that while the topography around Cranfield is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local planning regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar installations.

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.

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