Solar PV Analysis of Ilford, United Kingdom
Ilford, England, United Kingdom, is a decent location for generating energy using solar panels throughout the year. However, it's not perfect due to the varying amount of sunlight received in different seasons.
In terms of power output per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels, you can expect to generate about 5.13 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day during summer and 4.41 kWh/day in spring. These are the best times of year for solar energy production because there's more sunlight available.
On the other hand, autumn and winter see a significant drop in potential energy output - down to just 2.29 kWh/day and 1.03 kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight.
For optimal results with a fixed panel setup at this location, you should tilt your solar panels at an angle of 44 degrees facing southward. This angle maximizes exposure to the sun throughout the year for better overall power production.
However, there are some factors that could potentially interfere with solar power generation in Ilford:
1) The UK weather is known for its cloudiness which can reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching your panels.
2) Buildings or trees could cast shadows on your installation area.
3) Bird droppings or fallen leaves might cover your panels reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these issues:
1) Regularly clean your panels to remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate over time.
2) If possible, install them where they won't be shaded by buildings or trees.
3) Consider installing additional equipment like microinverters which help optimize each panel’s performance individually even when part of it is shaded.
4) Monitor weather forecasts closely so you can take preventative measures when necessary such as covering up your system during heavy snowfall periods.
So while Ilford isn't an ideal location compared with sunnier climates like Spain or Australia for example; you can still generate a decent amount of solar power if you manage your installation properly.
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 315 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
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Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Ilford
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.5749, Longitude: 0.0869 (Ilford, 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 Ilford, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ilford, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.5749, 0.0869) 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 Ilford, 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 Ilford, 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.
Topography for solar PV around Ilford, United Kingdom
Ilford, located in the northeastern part of Greater London, United Kingdom, is predominantly urban and flat. The area is characterized by residential and commercial buildings with some green spaces such as parks and sports fields. It does not have significant hills or mountains that would create shadows or block sunlight.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open areas with minimal shading are preferred. These might include:
1. Brownfield Sites: Unused or abandoned industrial areas in Ilford can be repurposed for solar PV installations.
2. Commercial Rooftops: Large commercial buildings like warehouses and shopping centers could host rooftop solar panels.
3. Green Spaces: Although using green spaces may be controversial due to ecological concerns, if managed well it could provide a good site for solar energy generation without significant impact on the local ecosystem.
4. Farmland: Areas outside Ilford that are used for farming could potentially accommodate dual-use systems where agriculture and solar PV coexist.
However, any decision about installing large-scale solar PV should consider factors other than just topography – including local climate conditions (annual sunlight hours), grid connection possibilities, land use regulations and potential social impacts.
Please note that while the UK isn't as sunny as some countries, it still receives enough sunlight to make solar power viable - 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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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.
