Ellon, Scotland, United Kingdom, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a challenging location for year-round solar PV energy generation. The town's geographical position at latitude 57.357 and longitude -2.2338 significantly impacts its solar potential throughout the year.

Solar energy production in Ellon experiences extreme seasonal variations. Summer months offer the most favorable conditions, with an average daily output of 4.75 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 3.86 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic decline in solar generation, with outputs of 1.54 kWh/day and a mere 0.72 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Solar Panel Configuration

To maximize year-round solar production in Ellon, Scotland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 48-degree angle facing south. This configuration helps optimize energy capture across all seasons, particularly during the less productive autumn and winter months.

Seasonal Considerations

The ideal time for solar energy generation in Ellon is from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. However, the significant drop in production during autumn and winter highlights the need for alternative energy sources or energy storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather-related factors can impede solar production in Ellon:

1. Cloud cover: Ellon's coastal proximity contributes to frequent overcast conditions, reducing solar irradiance.
2. Short winter days: The high latitude results in extremely short daylight hours during winter, severely limiting solar generation.
3. Snow and ice: Winter precipitation can accumulate on panels, obstructing sunlight.
4. Salt spray: The nearby coast may lead to salt deposits on panels, potentially decreasing efficiency.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
• Install automated cleaning systems or schedule regular manual cleaning
• Employ anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings on panels
• Integrate a hybrid system with wind power to complement solar generation

While Ellon's location presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this northern UK town.

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 754 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 Ellon

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.357, Longitude: -2.2338 (Ellon, 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 48° South in Ellon, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ellon, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 57.357, -2.2338) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Ellon, 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 Ellon, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
40° South in Summer	59° South in Autumn	70° South in Winter	49° 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 Ellon, 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 Ellon, 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 Ellon, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Ellon, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of northeastern Scotland. The town itself sits in the valley of the River Ythan, which meanders through the landscape, creating a subtle but noticeable depression in the terrain. As you move away from the river, the land gradually rises into low hills and plateaus. To the east of Ellon, the topography becomes flatter as it approaches the North Sea coast, with expansive agricultural fields dominating the landscape. This area features some of the most level ground in the vicinity. To the west and north, the terrain becomes more undulating, with a patchwork of fields, small woodlands, and scattered farmsteads. The southern approach to Ellon is marked by a gradual incline, with the land rising more noticeably compared to other directions. This creates a series of gentle slopes and elevated areas that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat agricultural land to the east of Ellon presents the most promising opportunity. These areas benefit from minimal shading, good exposure to sunlight, and easier access for construction and maintenance. The gently sloping fields to the south of Ellon could also be suitable for solar farms, as south-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere typically receive more direct sunlight throughout the year. However, care would need to be taken to ensure that any installations do not significantly impact the visual amenity of the landscape. It's worth noting that while the topography around Ellon is generally favorable for solar PV, the region's latitude means it receives less intense sunlight compared to more southerly locations. This factor, combined with the often cloudy Scottish weather, would need to be carefully considered when planning any large-scale solar projects in the area. The areas to the west and north, with their more varied terrain and scattered woodlands, would likely be less suitable for extensive solar installations due to potential shading issues and the increased complexity of construction on uneven ground. Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would need to balance the benefits of renewable energy generation with the preservation of the area's rural character and agricultural productivity. Careful site selection and community engagement would be crucial to ensure the success and acceptance of such developments in this picturesque part of Scotland.

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.