Solar PV Analysis of Gerrards Cross, United Kingdom
Gerrards Cross, England, located in the United Kingdom, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Gerrards Cross, England, with an average daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.36 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn (2.31 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.07 kWh/day).
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in this region. The longer daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer months contribute significantly to the increased energy output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Gerrards Cross, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Gerrards Cross doesn't face extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can reduce solar panel efficiency. Using high-quality panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions can help mitigate this issue.
- Rain and humidity: Frequent rainfall can lead to dirt accumulation on panels. Installing self-cleaning panels or implementing regular cleaning schedules can maintain optimal performance.
To enhance solar energy production in Gerrards Cross, England, consider using solar tracking systems to follow the sun's path, although the added cost may not always justify the increased output. Additionally, ensuring panels are not shaded by nearby trees or buildings is crucial for maximizing energy generation.
In conclusion, while Gerrards Cross may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its significant seasonal variations, proper installation techniques and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for this location.
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 Gerrards Cross
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.5999, Longitude: -0.5497 (Gerrards Cross, 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 Gerrards Cross, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gerrards Cross, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.5999, -0.5497) 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 Gerrards Cross, 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 Gerrards Cross, 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 | 55° South in Autumn | 65° South in Winter | 44° 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 Gerrards Cross, 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 Gerrards Cross, 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 Gerrards Cross, United Kingdom
The area around Gerrards Cross, located in Buckinghamshire, England, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Chiltern Hills region. The landscape is a mix of suburban development and rural countryside, with elevations generally ranging from about 50 to 100 meters above sea level.
The topography in this area is relatively mild, with no dramatic peaks or steep slopes. The terrain gradually rises as you move northwest from Gerrards Cross towards the heart of the Chilterns. To the south and east, the land becomes flatter as it approaches the Thames Valley.
The surrounding area features a patchwork of woodlands, agricultural fields, and residential areas. The River Misbourne, a small chalk stream, flows through the region, creating a shallow valley to the east of Gerrards Cross.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations near Gerrards Cross, several factors need to be taken into account, including available land, sun exposure, and minimal shadowing from hills or trees. Based on these criteria, the following areas might be more suitable:
1. The flatter agricultural lands to the south and southeast of Gerrards Cross, extending towards Slough and the M25 motorway, could offer potential sites. These areas have fewer hills and generally open landscapes that would receive good sun exposure throughout the day.
2. The gently sloping fields to the northeast, in the direction of Chalfont St Peter and Chalfont St Giles, might also be suitable. While there are some wooded areas, there are also open spaces that could accommodate solar installations.
3. The more open areas to the southwest, towards Fulmer and Stoke Poges, where the terrain becomes less hilly, could provide opportunities for solar farms.
It's important to note that while these areas might be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, local planning regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, the region's natural beauty and status as part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) may pose challenges to obtaining approval for such developments.
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: Thursday 29th of August 2024
Last Updated: Friday 30th 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.
