Solar PV Analysis of Dartford, United Kingdom
Situated in the United Kingdom, Dartford (Latitude: 51.4519, Longitude: 0.1787) is a noteworthy location for solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation due to its considerable energy yield per kW of installed solar capacity. During the sun-drenched summer season, the area can generate an average of 5.13 kWh per day for each kW installed; this figure reduces slightly to 4.41 kWh in the rejuvenating spring period.
However, as one would expect with seasonal changes, these numbers decrease during autumn and winter months when daylight hours are shorter and sunlight intensity is reduced; nonetheless, Dartford still manages to produce an average of 2.29 kWh and 1.03 kWh respectively during these periods.
With regards to panel installation at this location, a fixed tilt angle of approximately 44 degrees facing south has been identified as optimal for maximizing yearly energy production.
Despite these favourable conditions overall for solar power generation in Dartford, England, certain local factors could potentially impede solar production efficiency at times - notably heavy rainfall or extensive cloud cover which are not uncommon weather patterns in this region of the UK. These environmental aspects could limit sunlight exposure on panels thus reducing their output potential.
To mitigate against such issues and ensure greater energy production throughout varying weather conditions, several preventative measures can be considered during installation phase - such as strategic positioning of panels away from areas prone to shading or incorporating quality inverters that can handle variable power inputs effectively while minimizing losses due to intermittent cloud cover or rain showers.
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 911 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 Dartford
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.4519, Longitude: 0.1787 (Dartford, 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 Dartford, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dartford, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.4519, 0.1787) 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 Dartford, 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 Dartford, 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 | 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 Dartford, 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 Dartford, 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 Dartford, United Kingdom
The topography around Dartford, United Kingdom is generally flat with gentle slopes. Areas to the north and east of the city are particularly suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to their higher levels of solar radiation and lower levels of shading from trees and other obstacles. The areas immediately surrounding Dartford, such as Crayford, Bexleyheath, Swanley, Longfield, and Gravesend are all considered good locations for large-scale solar PV systems. Additionally, there are several larger open spaces nearby which could be suitable for installing solar panels on a larger scale.
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: Friday 29th of September 2023
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
