Solar PV Analysis of Hengoed, United Kingdom
Hengoed, a village in South Wales, 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 energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy output in Hengoed varies considerably throughout the year. Summer is the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.42 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.54 kWh/day. However, production drops significantly in autumn to 2.31 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter with only 1.05 kWh/day.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The ideal period for solar energy production in Hengoed is from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. However, even during this peak period, the region's climate can present challenges.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Hengoed, the optimal tilt angle is 44 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes year-round solar energy capture, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Hengoed:
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rainfall: Hengoed receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: The area's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting solar energy production.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
- Install a solar tracking system to maximize exposure to available sunlight
- Regularly clean panels to remove dirt and debris, especially after rainy periods
- Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources during low-production months
While Hengoed's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and installation can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for this Welsh village.
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 Hengoed
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.6486, Longitude: -3.2437 (Hengoed, 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 Hengoed, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hengoed, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.6486, -3.2437) 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 Hengoed, 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 Hengoed, 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 Hengoed, 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 Hengoed, 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 Hengoed, United Kingdom
The area around Hengoed, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse and hilly landscape typical of the South Wales Valleys. Hengoed itself is situated on elevated ground, with the surrounding terrain featuring a mix of steep-sided valleys and more gently rolling hills. The topography has been shaped by both natural processes and human activity, particularly the region's industrial past.
To the north and south of Hengoed, you'll find deep, narrow valleys carved out by rivers over millions of years. These valleys often have steep, wooded slopes rising to higher ground on either side. The valley floors are generally flat and narrow, historically used for transportation routes and some industrial development. The most prominent of these is the Rhymney Valley to the east of Hengoed.
Moving away from the valleys, the landscape transitions to more open, undulating terrain. This higher ground forms a series of ridges and plateaus, offering expansive views across the region. Much of this upland area is used for agriculture, primarily grazing for sheep and cattle, interspersed with patches of woodland and moorland.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the most promising locations would be found on the more level areas of higher ground surrounding Hengoed. These sites would ideally have a southerly aspect to maximize sun exposure throughout the day. Some potential areas to consider include:
- The more gently sloping hillsides to the west and northwest of Hengoed, where there are larger open spaces with fewer obstructions.
- Areas of reclaimed land from former industrial sites, which are often relatively flat and unshaded.
- Some of the broader, south-facing slopes of the valleys, though care would need to be taken to avoid areas prone to shadowing from opposite valley sides.
It's important to note that while the topography around Hengoed offers some potential for solar PV development, any large-scale installation would need to carefully consider factors such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and potential environmental impacts. The hilly nature of the terrain may also present challenges in terms of construction and maintenance access.
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 24th of July 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 24th of July 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.
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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.
