Deeside, Wales, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.31kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.39kWh/day. However, the colder months see a dramatic decline in energy production. Autumn yields a modest 1.94kWh/day, while winter plummets to a mere 0.90kWh/day.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing nearly six times more energy than winter. This disparity underscores the importance of maximizing solar collection during the longer, sunnier days of late spring through early autumn.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels in Deeside should be tilted at a 45-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun with the higher summer sun path.

Environmental Considerations

Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Deeside:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequently overcast skies, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: Deeside experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel efficiency if not properly managed.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing regular cleaning schedules. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions can help maintain better performance during overcast days.

While Deeside may not be ideal for year-round solar production due to its northern latitude and climate, strategic panel placement and modern technology can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option, particularly during the more productive 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 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 Deeside

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.1827, Longitude: -3.0282 (Deeside, 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 5.31kWh/day in Summer.

Average 1.94kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.90kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.39kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 45° South in Deeside, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Deeside, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.1827, -3.0282) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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: 53.1827, Longitude: -3.0282, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 45° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Deeside, 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 Deeside, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° 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 Deeside, 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 Deeside, 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 Deeside, United Kingdom

The topography around Deeside, United Kingdom, is characterized by a mix of landscapes. The area is situated in the northeastern part of Wales, near the border with England. Deeside itself is located in a relatively flat river valley, with the River Dee flowing through it towards the Irish Sea.

To the west and southwest of Deeside, the land begins to rise into the foothills of the Welsh mountains. These hills gradually increase in elevation as you move further west, eventually leading to the more rugged terrain of Snowdonia National Park. The landscape in this direction becomes more undulating and features a combination of moorland, forests, and steep-sided valleys.

To the east and southeast, the land is generally flatter, transitioning into the Cheshire Plain. This area is characterized by gently rolling countryside, with a mix of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered settlements. The terrain here is less dramatic than the Welsh hills to the west.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found to the east and southeast of Deeside. These flatter regions offer several advantages for solar energy production:

• The relatively level terrain makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective.
• There are fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on the panels, maximizing sunlight exposure throughout the day.
• The open agricultural land provides larger, uninterrupted spaces for expansive solar farms.
• The area is generally less densely populated, potentially reducing conflicts with residential or protected areas.

However, it's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, 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 PV projects. Additionally, site-specific assessments would be necessary to identify the most optimal locations within this broader area.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.

©Copyright Aaron Robinson and profileSOLAR.com 2019-2025

Home
Solar: United States
Solar: Worldwide
Solar Panel Tilt Angle
Login

Privacy
Disclaimer
Impressum
Contact Us