Solar PV Analysis of Fraserburgh, United Kingdom
The location at Fraserburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom is moderately suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round. The amount of electricity that can be produced depends on the season. In the summer, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar can generate about 4.82 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. This drops to 1.60 kWh/day in autumn and even lower to 0.75 kWh/day in winter due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity during these seasons. However, it increases again in spring with around 3.93 kWh/day per kW.
Therefore, the most ideal time for generating solar energy at this location would be during spring and summer when there's more sunlight available for longer periods of time compared to autumn and winter.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, the panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 49 degrees facing south to maximise total year-round production from the solar PV system.
However, there are several factors that could potentially impede solar production at this location such as cloudy weather or rain which are common in Fraserburgh especially during autumn and winter months reducing sunlight exposure on the panels.
To ensure greater energy production despite these challenges:
1.) Regular cleaning of panels: Dust particles or snowfall may cover your panels reducing their efficiency so regular cleaning is essential.
2.) Install a tracking system: A tracking system allows your panels to move with the sun throughout the day capturing maximum sunlight.
3.) Use efficient inverters: An efficient inverter will help convert maximum DC power generated by your panels into usable AC power.
4.) Optimal placement: Ensure nothing obstructs sunlight reaching your panel like trees or buildings nearby.
5.) Weather proofing: Protecting your system from extreme weather conditions using durable materials will enhance its lifespan ensuring continuous productivity over years.
So while not perfect due to seasonal variations and potential environmental challenges, with the right measures in place Fraserburgh can still be a viable location for solar energy production.
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 Fraserburgh
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.6536, Longitude: -2.0408 (Fraserburgh, 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 49° South in Fraserburgh, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fraserburgh, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 57.6536, -2.0408) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 49° 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 Fraserburgh, 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 Fraserburgh, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 49° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41° South in Summer | 60° South in Autumn | 70° South in Winter | 50° 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 Fraserburgh, 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 Fraserburgh, 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 Fraserburgh, United Kingdom
Fraserburgh is located in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland, United Kingdom. The topography around Fraserburgh is largely flat to gently rolling hills with some coastal cliffs and beaches. The area is characterized by its agricultural lands, forests, and grasslands.
The climate in this part of Scotland can be quite variable with a significant amount of cloud cover throughout the year. However, solar PV systems can still generate electricity under these conditions due to diffuse sunlight.
Areas most suited for large-scale solar PV would likely be open, flat areas that are not heavily forested or used for agriculture. This could potentially include unused land near industrial sites or brownfield sites (land previously used for industrial purposes).
However, it's important to note that while the physical landscape might accommodate solar panels, other factors such as local weather patterns and hours of sunshine should also be taken into account when considering the feasibility of large-scale solar energy projects. In general terms northern latitudes like Fraserburgh receives less sunlight than locations closer to equator which may affect efficiency and economic feasibility of a large scale solar project.
Furthermore environmental impact assessments would need to be conducted before any development could take place as well as consultations with local communities about potential visual impacts or disruptions caused by construction work.
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: Monday 17th of June 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.
