Cwmbran, Wales, located in the United Kingdom, presents a moderate opportunity for solar energy production throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy generation in Cwmbran, Wales, with an average daily output of 5.42 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 4.54 kWh per day. These seasons offer the best conditions for solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies.
Autumn sees a considerable drop in solar performance, producing an average of 2.31 kWh per day. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with daily output plummeting to just 1.05 kWh. This significant seasonal variation highlights the importance of efficient system design and energy management strategies.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Cwmbran, Wales, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 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 factors can impact solar energy production in Cwmbran:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Cwmbran experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel performance and require more frequent cleaning.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to combat the effects of rainfall and potential dirt accumulation.
- Implement microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
While Cwmbran may not offer ideal year-round conditions for solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still yield significant benefits, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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 Cwmbran
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.651, Longitude: -3.0147 (Cwmbran, 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 44° South in Cwmbran, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cwmbran, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.651, -3.0147) 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.

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Cwmbran, 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 Cwmbran, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° 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 | 55° South in Autumn | 65° South in Winter | 44° 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 Cwmbran, 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 Cwmbran, 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 Cwmbran, United Kingdom
Cwmbran, located in South Wales, United Kingdom, is situated in a diverse topographical region characterized by a mix of valleys, hills, and lowlands. The town itself is nestled in the eastern part of the Cwmbran Valley, which is flanked by rolling hills and higher ground on both sides. To the west of Cwmbran, the landscape rises into the eastern edges of the Welsh Valleys, with steep-sided hills and narrow valleys typical of this region. The Mynydd Maen and Twmbarlwm hills dominate the western skyline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. East of Cwmbran, the terrain becomes more gently undulating, gradually transitioning into the lowlands of the Usk Valley. This area features a mix of agricultural land, small woodlands, and scattered settlements. To the north, the landscape becomes more rugged as it approaches the southern fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Here, the hills become higher and more pronounced, with steep slopes and rocky outcrops. South of Cwmbran, the topography gradually flattens out towards the Severn Estuary, with a mix of lowland areas and gentle hills. This region includes a patchwork of farmland, small towns, and villages.
Potential Areas 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, including topography, land use, and access to the electrical grid. Based on these considerations, the following areas near Cwmbran show potential: The lowland areas to the east and southeast of Cwmbran offer favorable conditions for solar PV installations. These regions generally have flatter terrain, which is ideal for large-scale solar farms. The gently undulating landscape provides opportunities for optimal panel orientation and minimal shading. Some of the less steep hillsides to the west of Cwmbran could also be suitable for solar PV, particularly those facing south or southeast. While the terrain is more challenging, these areas may receive good solar exposure throughout the day. The agricultural lands in the Usk Valley, east of Cwmbran, present another possibility for solar development. These areas often have large, open fields that could accommodate substantial solar arrays, provided they don't conflict with prime agricultural use. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development would need to consider various factors beyond topography, including local planning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and grid connection feasibility. Additionally, the visual impact on the landscape and local communities would need to be carefully evaluated, particularly in areas of natural beauty or historical significance.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: Wednesday 13th of November 2024
Last Updated: Friday 22nd of November 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.