Solar PV Analysis of Dalbeattie, United Kingdom
Dalbeattie, a town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output at Dalbeattie varies dramatically across seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.24kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 4.26kWh per day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial drop in energy production, with outputs of 1.83kWh and 0.86kWh per day, respectively.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Dalbeattie, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 46-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Challenges and Considerations
Several factors may impede solar production in Dalbeattie:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter.
- Rainfall: Dalbeattie receives significant rainfall, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: Being relatively far north, the area experiences very short days during winter months, limiting solar exposure.
Mitigation Strategies
To counteract these challenges, consider the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Dalbeattie:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat rainfall and debris accumulation
- Consider incorporating energy storage solutions to balance seasonal variations
- Explore the possibility of dual-axis tracking systems for improved year-round performance
While Dalbeattie's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, particularly during the colder months, proper system design and maintenance can still yield satisfactory results, especially during the more favorable spring and summer seasons.
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 756 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 Dalbeattie
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.886, Longitude: -3.7911 (Dalbeattie, 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 Dalbeattie, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dalbeattie, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.886, -3.7911) 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 Dalbeattie, 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 Dalbeattie, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 68° South in Winter | 47° 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 Dalbeattie, 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 Dalbeattie, 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 Dalbeattie, United Kingdom
The area around Dalbeattie, located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape. The town itself sits in a relatively flat valley, but the surrounding terrain becomes more varied as you move away from the center.
To the north and east of Dalbeattie, the land gradually rises into rolling hills and moorland. These areas are often covered in a mix of grassland and heather, creating a typical Scottish upland scenery. The hills are not particularly high or steep, but they do provide some elevation changes in the landscape.
To the south and west, the terrain becomes more coastal in nature. The land slopes gently towards the Solway Firth, an estuary that forms part of the border between Scotland and England. This area features a mix of farmland, salt marshes, and sandy beaches along the coastline.
The region also includes several forested areas, most notably the Dalbeattie Forest to the north of the town. This adds to the varied topography, with patches of dense woodland interspersed among the open fields and hills.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the most promising locations would likely be found in the flatter, more open areas to the south and east of Dalbeattie. These regions offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- They tend to have fewer hills and obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels.
- The land is often already used for agriculture, which may make it easier to repurpose for solar farms.
- Being closer to the coast, these areas might benefit from slightly higher levels of sunlight due to reduced cloud cover compared to the more inland regions.
However, it's important to note that while these areas may be more suitable from a topographical perspective, other factors such as local planning regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the region.
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: Sunday 6th of October 2024
Last Updated: Sunday 6th 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.
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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.
