Grangemouth, Scotland, located in the United Kingdom, presents a challenging environment for solar PV energy generation due to its northern latitude and climate conditions. Situated at 56.0127° N, -3.7195° E, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy output in Grangemouth varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer months are the most productive, with an average of 4.95 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 3.87 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 1.62 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at a mere 0.71 kWh/day.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The ideal period for solar energy production in Grangemouth is from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. However, the substantial decrease in output during autumn and winter highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this location year-round.

Panel Installation Considerations

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Grangemouth, Scotland, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 47 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Grangemouth:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, reducing solar irradiance.
2. Rainfall: Grangemouth has significant annual rainfall, which can affect panel efficiency.
3. Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting solar production.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Grangemouth:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement regular cleaning schedules to combat rainfall and potential debris accumulation
• Consider supplementary energy sources for winter months
• Explore the use of solar tracking systems to maximize exposure during limited daylight hours

While Grangemouth's location presents significant challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable part of the area's energy mix, particularly during the more favorable months of the year.

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 Grangemouth

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.0127, Longitude: -3.7195 (Grangemouth, 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 Grangemouth, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Grangemouth, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 56.0127, -3.7195) 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 Grangemouth, 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 Grangemouth, 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 Grangemouth, 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 Grangemouth, 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 Grangemouth, United Kingdom

Grangemouth, located in central Scotland, sits on relatively flat terrain near the Firth of Forth. The area surrounding this industrial town is characterized by a mix of low-lying coastal plains and gently rolling hills. To the north and west, the landscape gradually rises towards the Ochil Hills, while to the south, the terrain remains mostly level as it extends towards the Central Lowlands. The immediate vicinity of Grangemouth is dominated by industrial infrastructure, including oil refineries and petrochemical plants. However, beyond the industrial zone, the land opens up to a patchwork of agricultural fields and small woodlands. The River Forth meanders through the area, creating a network of estuaries and mudflats that shape the coastal topography.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain to the south and east of Grangemouth offers promising locations for solar farms. These areas benefit from fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing potential sunlight exposure throughout the day. Agricultural land in the surrounding region, particularly fields that are less productive or fallow, could be ideal candidates for solar development. These sites often have the advantage of being already cleared and easily accessible, reducing the environmental impact and installation costs associated with new solar projects. However, it's important to note that Scotland's northern latitude means it receives less intense sunlight compared to more southern regions. This factor, combined with the area's frequent cloud cover, may impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. Despite these challenges, advancements in solar technology have made it increasingly viable to harness solar energy even in less sunny climates. Careful consideration should be given to avoid areas of ecological importance, such as wetlands near the Firth of Forth, which provide crucial habitats for wildlife. Additionally, any solar developments would need to be sensitively planned to minimize visual impact on the landscape, particularly in areas of scenic beauty or historical significance. In conclusion, while the topography around Grangemouth is generally favorable for solar PV installations, the selection of specific sites would require detailed assessments of land availability, grid connection possibilities, and environmental considerations. The most promising areas are likely to be found on the flatter agricultural lands to the south and east of the town, where large-scale solar farms could potentially be integrated with existing land use patterns.

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.