Solar PV Analysis of Harlow, United Kingdom
Harlow, England, United Kingdom, located at latitude 51.7784 and longitude 0.1057, offers 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.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Harlow, England, with an impressive daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.41 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial decrease in solar performance, with autumn yielding 2.29 kWh/day and winter dropping to a mere 1.03 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the considerable fluctuations in solar energy potential throughout the year. The most favorable period for solar generation spans from late spring through early autumn, with summer being the absolute pinnacle for harvesting solar energy.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Harlow, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's specific latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Harlow's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could impact performance:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: Harlow experiences significantly shorter daylight hours during winter, limiting solar energy production.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Ensure proper panel spacing and regular cleaning to maximize light absorption.
- Consider a hybrid system that combines solar with other renewable energy sources to compensate for seasonal variations.
In conclusion, while Harlow's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, it still offers significant potential, especially during the summer and spring seasons. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a valuable source of renewable energy in this area.
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 Harlow
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7784, Longitude: 0.1057 (Harlow, 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 Harlow, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Harlow, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7784, 0.1057) 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 Harlow, 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 Harlow, 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 Harlow, 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 Harlow, 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 Harlow, United Kingdom
The topography around Harlow, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of southeastern England. The town itself is situated in the Stort Valley, with the River Stort running along its northern edge. The surrounding landscape is a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas, creating a pleasant, undulating terrain.
To the north and east of Harlow, the land gradually rises towards the Essex-Hertfordshire border, forming a series of gentle slopes and plateaus. To the south and west, the terrain becomes slightly more varied, with some steeper hillsides and more pronounced valleys. However, the overall elevation changes in the region are modest, rarely exceeding 100 meters above sea level.
The area around Harlow is predominantly rural, with a patchwork of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered villages. This landscape provides a green belt buffer between Harlow and neighboring towns and cities.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations near Harlow, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would generally have the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping land, ideally facing south
- Open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Good access to the electrical grid
- Land that is not prime agricultural soil or of high ecological value
Based on these criteria, some potentially suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Harlow might include:
- The more level agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Harlow, towards Matching and Matching Green
- Open fields to the south, in the direction of North Weald Bassett and Thornwood Common
- Some of the less undulating farmland to the west, between Harlow and Roydon
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development would require detailed site assessments, planning permission, and consideration of local environmental and community impacts. The suitability of specific sites would need to be determined through thorough surveys and consultations with local authorities and stakeholders.
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: Wednesday 16th of October 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 16th of October 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.
