Solar Energy Potential in Glenrothes, Scotland, UK

Glenrothes, Scotland, located in the United Kingdom at latitude 56.1967 and longitude -3.1357, presents a challenging environment for solar PV energy generation year-round. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output. The summer months offer the most promising conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 5.02 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This period provides the best opportunity for maximizing solar energy generation in Glenrothes. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 3.94 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. This makes spring an important time for solar energy production, as daylight hours increase and weather conditions improve.

Seasonal Challenges

Autumn sees a significant drop in solar output, with only 1.68 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. This decline is due to shorter days and increased cloud cover typical of the season in this region. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy production in Glenrothes, Scotland, with a mere 0.75 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. The combination of short days, low sun angle, and frequent overcast conditions severely limits solar energy generation during this season.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Glenrothes, Scotland, it is recommended to install fixed solar panels at a tilt angle of 47 degrees facing South. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Glenrothes: 1. Frequent cloud cover and overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter. 2. High latitude resulting in low sun angles, especially during winter months. 3. Potential for snow accumulation on panels during winter. To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement regular cleaning and maintenance to remove snow and debris
• Consider installing solar tracking systems to maximize exposure to available sunlight
• Utilize micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading

While Glenrothes may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, implementing these strategies can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this location, particularly during the more favorable 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 Glenrothes

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.1967, Longitude: -3.1357 (Glenrothes, 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 Glenrothes, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Glenrothes, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 56.1967, -3.1357) 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 Glenrothes, 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 Glenrothes, 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
40° South in Summer	58° South in Autumn	69° South in Winter	48° 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 Glenrothes, 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 Glenrothes, 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 Glenrothes, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Glenrothes, a town in Fife, Scotland, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape. The town itself is situated in a shallow valley, with the land gradually rising to form low hills and ridges in the surrounding countryside. To the north and east, the terrain becomes more elevated, with the Lomond Hills Regional Park offering some of the highest points in the vicinity. The immediate area around Glenrothes features a mix of urban development, agricultural land, and pockets of woodland. The River Leven flows through the southern part of the town, creating a natural corridor that influences the local topography. As you move away from the town center, the landscape becomes increasingly rural, with fields and pastures dominating the scenery.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Glenrothes, several factors come into play. The ideal areas would be relatively flat or gently sloping, with good exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from natural or man-made obstructions. The agricultural lands to the south and southeast of Glenrothes present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas tend to be flatter and more open, with fewer obstructions to block sunlight. The gently rolling fields provide ample space for large arrays of solar panels, and their current use for agriculture suggests that they may be more easily repurposed for energy production. Another potentially suitable area lies to the northeast of Glenrothes, where the terrain gradually rises towards the Lomond Hills. While the slopes here are slightly more pronounced, they could still accommodate solar installations, particularly on south-facing aspects that receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, grid connection possibilities, and local planning regulations. The proximity to the town of Glenrothes could be advantageous in terms of energy distribution, but it also means that visual impact on the landscape would need to be carefully managed. In conclusion, while the topography around Glenrothes is varied, there are several areas that could potentially support large-scale solar PV installations. The most promising locations are likely to be found in the flatter agricultural lands to the south and southeast, as well as on some of the gentler slopes to the northeast of the town.

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.