Solar PV Analysis of Dover, United Kingdom
Dover, located on the southeastern coast of England, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Dover, with an average daily output of 5.13kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.41kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.29kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 1.03kWh/day in winter.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the more favorable periods.
Optimal Panel Installation
To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels in Dover should be tilted at a 43-degree angle facing south. This specific angle is calculated to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
Dover's coastal location presents some challenges for solar energy production. The area is prone to sea mist and fog, particularly during spring and autumn. These weather conditions can significantly reduce solar irradiance, impacting energy generation.
Additionally, the proximity to the sea increases the risk of salt corrosion on solar equipment. To mitigate these issues, installers should consider the following measures:
- Use corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings on all solar components
- Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove salt deposits and other debris
- Install panels at a slightly steeper angle to promote natural cleaning by rainwater
Despite these challenges, Dover's location still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation, especially during the spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a significant contribution to the area's renewable energy mix.
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 Dover
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.1449, Longitude: 1.3019 (Dover, 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 43° South in Dover, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dover, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.1449, 1.3019) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Dover, 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 Dover, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° 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 | 54° South in Autumn | 64° 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 Dover, 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 Dover, 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 Dover, United Kingdom
The area around Dover, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography that reflects its coastal location and geological history. Dover sits at the eastern edge of Kent, where the famous White Cliffs meet the English Channel. These iconic chalk cliffs, reaching heights of up to 350 feet (107 meters), dominate the immediate coastline and create a dramatic backdrop for the town and harbor.
Inland from the coast, the landscape transitions into gently rolling hills and valleys, typical of the North Downs region. This area is known as the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring a mix of chalk grasslands, woodlands, and agricultural fields. The terrain becomes more undulating as you move further inland, with elevations generally increasing but rarely exceeding 200 meters above sea level.
To the north and west of Dover, the land opens up into a flatter, more expansive region known as the East Kent Plain. This area is characterized by its fertile soils and is predominantly used for agriculture, with fields of crops and pastures stretching across the landscape.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping, with good exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from natural or man-made structures. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Dover might be suitable:
The East Kent Plain, north and west of Dover, offers expansive open spaces with relatively flat terrain. This area receives good levels of sunlight and has fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels. Many of these lands are currently used for agriculture, so any solar development would need to be balanced with food production needs.
Some of the more gently sloping hillsides in the Kent Downs might also be suitable, particularly those facing south or southwest to maximize sun exposure. However, care would need to be taken to minimize the visual impact on this protected landscape.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV installations. Any development would need to be carefully planned to balance energy production with the preservation of the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage.
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: Monday 9th of September 2024
Last Updated: Tuesday 10th of September 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.
