Solar Energy Potential in Great Malvern, England, UK
Great Malvern, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents 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. Summer months offer the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 5.27 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This period provides an excellent opportunity for maximizing solar energy generation. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.42 kWh per day per kW installed. These months offer substantial solar potential, making it an ideal time for solar energy harvesting. Autumn sees a considerable decrease in solar output, with daily production dropping to 2.14 kWh per kW installed. While less efficient than summer and spring, autumn still contributes meaningfully to the overall annual energy production. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy generation in Great Malvern, England, with daily output plummeting to just 1.01 kWh per kW installed. This significant reduction highlights the limitations of solar power during the colder months in this region.Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Great Malvern, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar energy production in Great Malvern:- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Great Malvern experiences considerable rainfall, which may temporarily decrease panel output and require more frequent cleaning.
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 Great Malvern
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0958, Longitude: -2.3291 (Great Malvern, 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 Great Malvern, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Great Malvern, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.0958, -2.3291) 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 Great Malvern, 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 Great Malvern, 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 Great Malvern, 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 Great Malvern, 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 Great Malvern, United Kingdom
Great Malvern, located in Worcestershire, England, is nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, a distinctive range that dominates the local landscape. The topography of the area is characterized by a dramatic contrast between the steep, rolling hills to the west and the flat, expansive Vale of Evesham to the east. The Malvern Hills themselves are a striking geological feature, rising abruptly from the surrounding countryside. These hills run roughly north to south for about 13 kilometers (8 miles) and reach heights of up to 425 meters (1,394 feet) above sea level at the Worcestershire Beacon. The hills are composed primarily of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, giving them a rugged and distinctive appearance. To the east of Great Malvern, the land gradually slopes down into the Vale of Evesham, a broad, fertile valley carved out by the River Avon. This area is characterized by gently undulating terrain, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys. The vale is predominantly used for agriculture, with a patchwork of fields, orchards, and small woodlands.
Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, the flat or gently sloping areas to the east of Great Malvern in the Vale of Evesham present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development: Firstly, the relatively flat terrain of the vale provides ample space for large arrays of solar panels without the need for extensive earthworks or terracing. This reduces installation costs and minimizes environmental impact. Secondly, the open nature of the landscape in the vale means there are fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing their exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Thirdly, the agricultural nature of the vale means there are likely to be large, contiguous parcels of land available that could potentially be repurposed or dual-purposed for solar energy production without significantly impacting residential areas or protected landscapes. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned to balance energy production with the preservation of the area's agricultural heritage and scenic beauty. Areas closer to existing power infrastructure might be particularly suitable, as this could reduce the need for new transmission lines. While the Malvern Hills themselves offer excellent solar exposure due to their elevation, their status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and their ecological importance make them unsuitable for large-scale solar development. Instead, these hills serve as a natural backdrop to any potential solar installations in the surrounding lowlands, creating a unique juxtaposition of natural beauty and renewable energy technology.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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 5th of December 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 1st of January 2025
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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.