Solar PV Analysis of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, offers a suitable location for solar PV generation due to its average annual solar irradiance. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar varies across seasons: 5.10 kWh in summer, 1.68 kWh in autumn, 0.81 kWh in winter, and 4.22 kWh in spring. This indicates that the most efficient period for solar power generation is during the summer months when longer days and higher sunlight intensity contribute to increased energy output.
However, certain weather conditions may pose challenges for optimal solar power generation in Glasgow. High winds and heavy rain can negatively impact the performance of a solar panel system by reducing energy production levels. Furthermore, cloud cover can decrease the amount of direct sunlight reaching photovoltaic arrays and subsequently lower their efficiency; this is particularly relevant during winter when cloud cover tends to be more prevalent than other seasons.
To maximize energy production from a fixed-panel installation at this location (latitude: 55.8119, longitude: -4.2573), it is recommended to tilt panels at an angle of 47 degrees facing southward.
In order to mitigate potential issues caused by local environmental factors such as high winds or heavy rain, it's essential to ensure proper installation techniques are employed when setting up a solar panel system in Glasgow. This includes securing panels with appropriate mounting hardware designed for wind resistance and ensuring adequate drainage systems are in place around the installation site to prevent water accumulation that could damage components or reduce efficiency.
By taking these preventative measures into account during installation and optimizing panel orientation based on seasonal variations in sunlight intensity, it's possible to harness greater amounts of clean energy from solar PV systems year-round at this location despite some inherent challenges posed by local weather conditions.
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 756 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 Glasgow
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.8119, Longitude: -4.2573 (Glasgow, 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 47° South in Glasgow, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Glasgow, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.8119, -4.2573) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Glasgow, 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 Glasgow, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39° South in Summer | 59° South in Autumn | 69° 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 Glasgow, 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 Glasgow, 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 Glasgow, United Kingdom
The topography around Glasgow is generally flat with some rolling hills. The areas to the south and east of the city have more hilly terrain, while the areas to the north and west are mostly flat. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would be those that are relatively flat and open, such as the fields and farmland to the north and west of Glasgow. These areas receive strong sunlight throughout much of the year, making them ideal locations for solar energy production.
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: Sunday 18th of September 2022
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.
