Solar PV Analysis of Hornby, United Kingdom
Hornby, England, a village in Lancashire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Hornby, England, with an impressive daily output of 5.24 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.26 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a dramatic decrease in solar production. Autumn yields 1.83 kWh/day, while winter plummets to a mere 0.86 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, with summer producing over six times more energy than winter. This variation is primarily due to the location's northern latitude, which affects daylight hours and sun angle throughout the year.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Hornby, England, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 45-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to balance the seasonal variations in sun position and maximize overall annual energy generation.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar production in Hornby:
- Cloud cover: The region is known for frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar efficiency.
- Rainfall: Hornby experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel performance.
- Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting solar potential.
Mitigation Strategies
To address these challenges and optimize solar production, consider the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat the effects of rainfall and potential debris.
- Consider a dual-axis tracking system to maximize exposure during short winter days.
- Supplement with alternative energy sources during low-production months.
While Hornby's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar a viable option, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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 Hornby
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.1152, Longitude: -2.6159 (Hornby, 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 45° South in Hornby, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hornby, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.1152, -2.6159) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Hornby, 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 Hornby, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 67° South in Winter | 46° 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 Hornby, 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 Hornby, 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 Hornby, United Kingdom
The area around Hornby, United Kingdom is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the Lancashire and Yorkshire region. Hornby itself is situated in the Lune Valley, a scenic area known for its rolling hills, green pastures, and meandering rivers.
The topography in this region is generally undulating, with a mix of low-lying valleys and gently sloping hills. To the east and northeast, the terrain gradually rises towards the Pennine Hills, a range of uplands that forms the backbone of northern England. These hills provide a dramatic backdrop to the landscape, with some peaks reaching heights of over 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level.
To the west and southwest of Hornby, the land slopes more gently towards the coastal plains of Lancashire and Morecambe Bay. This area is characterized by a patchwork of fields, small woodlands, and scattered farmsteads. The River Lune, which flows near Hornby, has carved out a wide valley that adds to the area's scenic beauty and agricultural productivity.
When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be taken into account. The most promising locations would likely be found in the flatter, more open areas to the west and southwest of Hornby. These areas generally receive more sunlight due to less obstruction from hills and have larger expanses of land that could potentially accommodate solar farms.
Specifically, the agricultural lands between Hornby and Lancaster might offer suitable sites for solar PV development. These areas are relatively flat, have good access to roads for construction and maintenance, and are not as constrained by the steep terrain found in the Pennine foothills to the east.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with considerations of local land use, environmental impact, and visual effects on the landscape. The scenic nature of the Lune Valley and surrounding areas means that careful planning and community consultation would be essential for any proposed solar PV projects in this region.
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: Monday 12th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 12th of August 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.
