Solar PV Analysis of Farnham, United Kingdom
Farnham, England, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 51.2144 and longitude -0.7936, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Farnham, England, with an impressive daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.36 kWh/day. These seasons offer the best conditions for solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies.
However, the picture changes dramatically during the colder months. Autumn sees a substantial drop in production to 2.31 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 1.07 kWh/day per kW installed. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy generation in Farnham's climate.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Farnham, England, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's varying positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar energy production in Farnham: 1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Short winter days: Farnham's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting solar energy generation.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures: 1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions. 2. Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat dust and debris accumulation. 3. Consider a hybrid system combining solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round.
While Farnham's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable option, especially during the more productive spring and summer months.
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 Farnham
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.2144, Longitude: -0.7936 (Farnham, 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 44° South in Farnham, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Farnham, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.2144, -0.7936) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 44° 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 Farnham, 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 Farnham, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° 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 | 65° 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 Farnham, 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 Farnham, 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 Farnham, United Kingdom
The area around Farnham, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape typical of the Surrey Hills region. The town itself is situated in a shallow valley, with the surrounding terrain gradually rising to form low hills and ridges.
To the north and east of Farnham, the land becomes more elevated, forming part of the North Downs. This area features a mix of wooded hillsides and open chalk grasslands. To the south and west, the landscape transitions into the flatter, more open spaces of the Hampshire Basin.
The River Wey flows through Farnham, carving a gentle valley that adds to the area's topographical variety. Throughout the region, you'll find a patchwork of agricultural fields, interspersed with pockets of woodland and small settlements.
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 areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or buildings. Additionally, sites with easy access to the electrical grid and away from areas of natural beauty or historical significance would be preferable.
With these criteria in mind, some of the more suitable areas for solar PV near Farnham might include:
- The flatter agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Farnham, extending towards Alton and Bordon. These areas generally have fewer steep slopes and more open spaces.
- Some of the larger, south-facing slopes in the agricultural areas between Farnham and Guildford to the northeast, provided they don't interfere with protected landscapes.
- Former industrial or brownfield sites in the wider region, which could be repurposed for solar energy production without impacting greenfield land.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development would require careful planning and consultation with local authorities, considering factors such as visual impact, environmental protection, and grid connection capabilities. The specific suitability of any site would need to be assessed through detailed surveys and impact assessments.
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 5th of August 2024
Last Updated: Tuesday 6th of August 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.
