Solar PV Analysis of Durham, United Kingdom
The location at Durham, England, United Kingdom, which is in the Northern Temperate Zone, has varying effectiveness for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) technology throughout the year. In simple terms, solar PV technology converts sunlight into electricity.
In summer and spring, Durham can produce a considerable amount of electricity from solar power. With an average of 4.99 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.28 kWh/day in spring per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels, these seasons are the most ideal times for generating solar energy.
However, during autumn and winter, the output drops significantly to 1.94 kWh/day and 0.86 kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight.
For a fixed panel installation at this location to generate maximum total year-round production from solar PV system it should be tilted at an angle of about 46 degrees facing south.
Durham's geographical location could present some challenges for optimal performance of a solar PV system due to its weather patterns as well as other local factors:
1. Weather: The UK is known for its cloudy weather which can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the panels hence reducing their efficiency.
2. Topography: Depending on specific locations within Durham there may be hills or tall buildings that could potentially block sunlight reaching your panels.
3. Environmental: Bird droppings or fallen leaves can cover panels reducing their effectiveness.
Preventative measures that can be taken when installing include:
1.Weather: While we cannot control weather conditions we can anticipate them by installing additional capacity to compensate for cloudy days.
2.Topography: Careful site selection where there are no obstructions blocking direct sunlight would improve efficiency.
3.Environmental Factors: Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure your panels remain clear from debris increasing their lifespan and maintaining optimal performance levels over time.
In conclusion while Durham may not have ideal conditions year-round for solar energy production, with the right setup and maintenance it can still be a viable source of renewable energy.
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 Durham
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.7699, Longitude: -1.559 (Durham, 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 Durham, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Durham, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.7699, -1.559) 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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38° South in Summer | 57° 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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, United Kingdom
Durham, United Kingdom, is located in the northeast part of England. The topography of the area is characterized by rolling hills and valleys with the River Wear winding through it. The city is surrounded by agricultural land and open countryside with some forested areas.
In terms of solar PV potential, flat or gently sloping areas are usually ideal for large-scale solar farms as they allow for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels. Additionally, these areas tend to have less shading which can impact the efficiency of solar panels.
Looking at Durham's surroundings, there are several large agricultural fields that could potentially be suitable for a large-scale solar PV project. However, any such project would need to take into consideration factors such as local planning regulations and potential impact on wildlife.
It's also worth noting that while Durham isn't known for having high levels of sunshine compared to other parts of the UK (like southern England), modern photovoltaic technology can still generate significant amounts of power even in less sunny climates.
For a more precise assessment regarding suitable locations for large-scale solar PV around Durham, you would need a detailed site survey taking into account factors like sun exposure throughout the year (solar irradiation), soil type and condition (for ground-mounted systems), proximity to electrical grid connections etc.
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: Sunday 3rd of March 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 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.
