Solar PV Analysis of Dumfries, United Kingdom
Dumfries, Scotland, located in the United Kingdom, can generate energy through solar power throughout the year. However, it's important to note that the amount of energy produced varies significantly depending on the season.
In simpler terms, during summer and spring, Dumfries gets more sunlight which results in higher energy production from solar panels - about 5.14 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.13 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity. On the other hand, during autumn and winter when days are shorter and there's less sunlight available, you can expect lower energy production - around 1.78 kWh/day in autumn and just 0.81 kWh/day in winter per kW of installed solar.
For best year-round performance from a fixed panel installation at this location, it is recommended to tilt your solar panels at an angle of about 46 degrees facing southwards.
As for factors that could potentially affect solar production at this location; Dumfries is known for its temperate climate with relatively high levels of rainfall throughout the year which might reduce overall sunshine hours thus affecting potential output from PV systems.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these conditions; when installing a PV system one could consider using modules with better low-light performance or even bifacial modules that can capture light reflected off surfaces like white roofs or ground-mounted systems over light-colored terrain.
Furthermore regular maintenance like cleaning panels to remove dust or debris especially after heavy rains would help keep them working efficiently as well as taking measures to prevent shading where possible such as strategic placement away from tall buildings or trees.
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 Dumfries
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.066, Longitude: -3.6556 (Dumfries, 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 Dumfries, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dumfries, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.066, -3.6556) 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 Dumfries, 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 Dumfries, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39° South in Summer | 58° 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 Dumfries, 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 Dumfries, 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 Dumfries, United Kingdom
Dumfries, located in the southern part of Scotland, United Kingdom, is characterized by a mixed topography. It is largely lowland terrain with gently rolling hills and flat plains. The area also has several rivers including the River Nith which flows through the town.
The weather in Dumfries tends to be quite variable with a fair amount of cloud cover throughout the year. However, it does receive some sunny days which could make solar PV viable.
For large-scale solar PV installations, areas with flat or gently sloping terrain would be most appropriate as they allow for easier installation and maintenance while maximizing exposure to sunlight. Therefore, open fields or farmlands around Dumfries might be suitable for such projects.
However, one must consider other factors like local planning regulations and grid connectivity before deciding on a location for large-scale solar PV projects. Also important is an assessment of annual sunlight hours to ensure that investment in solar infrastructure will provide adequate return.
In terms of specific nearby areas that may be suited for large-scale solar PV installations: Lockerbie (to the east), Castle Douglas (to the west), and Thornhill (north) all have expanses of relatively flat rural land that could potentially accommodate such projects provided other conditions are met.
Remember though that while Scotland's latitude means less sun intensity than locations closer to the equator - efficiency improvements in photovoltaic technology mean this isn't as significant an issue as it once was; so long as there's enough bright daylight hours over a year then good returns can still be achieved from Solar PV even at higher latitudes like Dumfries'.
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: Thursday 18th of January 2024
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.
