Goldthorpe, England, a town in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.03 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.20 kWh/day. However, the output drops dramatically during autumn (2.02 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (0.92 kWh/day).

These figures highlight that Goldthorpe's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. From late spring through early autumn, solar panels in this location can be expected to perform reasonably well. However, the stark contrast with winter performance suggests that relying solely on solar power year-round may be challenging.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Goldthorpe, England, fixed panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt helps optimize exposure to the sun's rays across all seasons, balancing between summer and winter sun angles.

Environmental Considerations

While Goldthorpe's location doesn't present any extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are some factors to consider:

• Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help mitigate this issue.
• Rain and humidity: Frequent rainfall can lead to dirt accumulation on panels. Regular cleaning and the use of self-cleaning panel technologies can maintain optimal performance.

Additionally, ensuring panels are not shaded by nearby trees or buildings is crucial. Implementing a system with microinverters or power optimizers can help manage partial shading issues and maximize energy production even under less-than-ideal conditions.

In conclusion, while Goldthorpe's solar potential is not ideal year-round, careful installation and maintenance practices can help maximize the considerable summer and spring potential, making solar PV a viable supplementary energy source 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 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 Goldthorpe

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.5287, Longitude: -1.312 (Goldthorpe, 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 45° South in Goldthorpe, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Goldthorpe, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.5287, -1.312) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Goldthorpe, 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 Goldthorpe, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
37° South in Summer	56° South in Autumn	67° South in Winter	45° 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 Goldthorpe, 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 Goldthorpe, 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 Goldthorpe, United Kingdom

The topography around Goldthorpe, a village in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling hills and open countryside typical of the region. The area lies within the broader Dearne Valley, which was historically known for its coal mining industry. Today, the landscape is a mix of reclaimed former industrial sites, agricultural land, and scattered settlements. The terrain in and around Goldthorpe is relatively flat to mildly undulating, with elevations generally ranging between 30 to 80 meters above sea level. This gentle topography is a result of the area's geological history, shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age and subsequent erosion. The nearby River Dearne has also played a role in sculpting the local landscape, creating a shallow valley that runs through the region.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine relatively flat terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal environmental or cultural constraints. One promising area for solar PV development could be the reclaimed land of former collieries to the south and east of Goldthorpe. These brownfield sites often have large, open spaces with minimal shading from trees or buildings, making them potentially suitable for solar farms. The former Goldthorpe Colliery site itself, as well as other ex-mining lands in the vicinity, could be prime candidates for such development. Agricultural land to the north and west of Goldthorpe might also be considered for solar PV installations. However, the use of productive farmland for solar energy would need to be carefully balanced against food production needs and local planning policies. It's worth noting that while the topography around Goldthorpe is generally favorable for solar PV, the region's climate, with its frequent cloud cover and relatively northern latitude, may impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. Nevertheless, advancements in solar technology continue to make PV systems more viable even in less sunny locations. Any large-scale solar development in the area would require thorough environmental impact assessments, community consultation, and compliance with local and national planning regulations. The visual impact on the landscape and potential effects on local wildlife would need to be carefully considered in the planning process.

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.