Dunbar, a coastal town in East Lothian, Scotland, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar PV production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy generation in Dunbar peaks during the summer months, with an impressive output of 5.14kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 4.13kWh daily. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic decline in solar performance, with daily outputs of 1.78kWh and 0.81kWh respectively.

These figures highlight the substantial difference between the most and least productive seasons, with summer generating over six times more energy than winter. This stark contrast underscores the challenges of relying solely on solar power throughout the year in Dunbar.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Dunbar, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 47-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the town's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, helping to capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Dunbar:

1. Cloud cover: The region's frequent overcast conditions can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Coastal location: Proximity to the sea may lead to salt spray accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing their performance over time.

To mitigate these challenges, regular panel cleaning is essential to remove salt deposits and other debris. Additionally, investing in high-quality, weather-resistant panels can help maintain optimal performance in the face of Dunbar's coastal climate.

Conclusion

While Dunbar's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, it still offers significant potential during spring and summer months. By implementing proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, residents can maximize their solar energy generation despite the seasonal and environmental challenges.

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 Dunbar

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.9515, Longitude: -2.4233 (Dunbar, 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 47° South in Dunbar, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dunbar, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.9515, -2.4233) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Dunbar, 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 Dunbar, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° 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	69° South in Winter	48° 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 Dunbar, 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 Dunbar, 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 Dunbar, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Dunbar, a coastal town in East Lothian, Scotland, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape. Situated along the North Sea coast, Dunbar's immediate vicinity features a mix of rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and low-lying cliffs. The town itself is perched on a small promontory, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Inland from Dunbar, the terrain gradually rises into gently rolling hills and farmland. This undulating landscape is typical of the East Lothian region, with open fields, scattered woodlands, and small streams dotting the area. The nearby Lammermuir Hills, located to the south, provide a more dramatic backdrop with their higher elevations and moorland vegetation.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Dunbar, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would likely be found in the agricultural lands surrounding the town, particularly to the south and west. These areas offer relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, which is ideal for solar panel arrays. The farmlands between Dunbar and Haddington, stretching westward, present a promising option. This area benefits from open spaces with minimal shading from trees or buildings, allowing for maximum sun exposure throughout the day. The gentle slopes in this region could also be advantageous, as they can be oriented to optimize solar panel efficiency. Another potential location for solar PV development might be found in the lower slopes of the Lammermuir Hills, south of Dunbar. While care would need to be taken to avoid areas of significant ecological importance, some of the less steep hillsides could provide suitable sites for solar installations. These elevated positions could benefit from reduced fog and mist compared to lower-lying areas, potentially increasing the amount of sunlight received. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, grid connection possibilities, and local planning regulations. The scenic nature of the East Lothian landscape means that visual impact assessments would be crucial in determining suitable locations. Additionally, areas closer to existing electrical infrastructure might be preferred to minimize the need for new transmission lines. While Dunbar and its surroundings may not have the highest solar potential in the UK due to its northern latitude, advancements in solar technology have made it increasingly viable to harness solar energy in such locations. The relatively flat terrain and open landscapes of East Lothian provide opportunities for solar development, although careful planning and community engagement would be essential for any large-scale projects in this picturesque 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!

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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.