Solar PV Analysis of Hatfield, United Kingdom
The location at Hatfield, England, United Kingdom, is moderately suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. The amount of electricity that can be produced varies greatly according to the season.
During summer and spring, you can expect a good level of power production with an average of 5.13 kilowatt-hours per day in summer and 4.36 kilowatt-hours per day in spring for each kilowatt installed. This makes these seasons the best times to generate solar power at this location.
On the other hand, autumn and winter see a significant drop in output due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight, producing only 2.31 kWh/day in autumn and as low as 1.07 kWh/day in winter per kW installed.
For fixed panel installations at this location, it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south to maximise yearly production from solar PV.
However, there may be local factors such as weather conditions or environmental constraints that could affect solar production here significantly. For instance:
- The UK has many cloudy days which reduce the amount of sunlight reaching your panels.
- Snowfall during winter might cover your panels reducing their efficiency.
- Buildings or trees might cast shadows on your panels particularly if they're not positioned optimally.
To mitigate these issues:
- Regularly clean your panels especially after snowfall or heavy dust storms.
- Trim any overhanging branches from nearby trees.
- Consider installing trackers which adjust the orientation of your panels throughout the day ensuring they always face towards the sun thereby increasing their efficiency even on cloudy days.
In conclusion: While Hatfield isn't an ideal location for year-round high-output solar energy generation due to its climate and latitude - it still offers potential especially during spring/summer months if installation is done correctly considering local factors; making it a viable option worth exploring further depending upon individual circumstances/needs.
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 Hatfield
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7639, Longitude: -0.2236 (Hatfield, 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 Hatfield, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hatfield, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7639, -0.2236) 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 Hatfield, 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 Hatfield, 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 Hatfield, 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 Hatfield, 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 Hatfield, United Kingdom
Hatfield, United Kingdom is situated in the county of Hertfordshire. The topography of the area is generally flat to gently sloping, with some hilly areas towards the north and west. It's part of a lowland region known as East Anglia which has been historically characterized by its fertile agricultural lands.
The flat landscape and relatively low level of rainfall make it suitable for solar PV installations. However, considerations such as land use (agricultural, residential etc.), local planning policies and proximity to power grid connections would also be important factors in determining suitability for large-scale solar PV projects.
Potential suitable areas nearby could include:
1. Agricultural lands: Large tracts of open farmland could potentially host ground-mounted solar arrays. These can co-exist with certain types of agriculture (e.g., sheep grazing) or on less productive lands.
2. Brownfield Sites: Decommissioned industrial sites or other brownfield land may offer opportunities for redevelopment into solar farms.
3. Rooftops: Large commercial buildings or warehouses often have extensive roof space that can accommodate rooftop solar panels.
However, any plans would need to involve consultation with local communities, stakeholders and comply with environmental regulations and planning guidelines set out by local authorities like Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council or Hertfordshire County Council.
It's worth noting that while Hatfield’s latitude isn't optimal compared to sunnier climes closer to the equator, advancements in technology mean that modern photovoltaic cells are still reasonably efficient at these latitudes - particularly during summer months when daylight hours are long.
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: Monday 3rd of June 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 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.
