Invergordon, Scotland, a town in the Scottish Highlands, presents some challenges for year-round solar PV energy generation due to its northern latitude. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone at 57.7051°N, -4.1568°E, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Invergordon fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer months yield the highest output at 4.61 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with a respectable 3.75 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a significant drop to 1.35 kWh/day, while winter production plummets to a mere 0.65 kWh/day.

The most favorable period for solar generation spans from late spring through early autumn, with peak performance in June and July. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.

Optimal Panel Tilt

To maximize year-round solar output in Invergordon, Scotland, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 48 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and seasonal sun path variations.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Invergordon:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, reducing solar irradiance.
2. Rain: Invergordon receives significant rainfall, which can affect panel efficiency.
3. Short winter days: The extreme northern latitude results in very short days during winter months, severely limiting solar generation.

Mitigation Strategies

To enhance solar energy production despite these challenges, consider the following measures:

1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions.
2. Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat rain-related dirt accumulation.
3. Consider incorporating solar tracking systems to maximize exposure during limited daylight hours.
4. Explore hybrid systems combining solar with other renewable sources like wind to ensure consistent energy production year-round.

While Invergordon's location presents significant challenges for solar PV generation, particularly in winter, strategic installation and technology choices can help optimize energy production throughout the year.

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 Invergordon

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 57.7051, Longitude: -4.1568 (Invergordon, 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 48° South in Invergordon, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Invergordon, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 57.7051, -4.1568) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Invergordon, 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 Invergordon, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
41° South in Summer	60° South in Autumn	70° South in Winter	49° 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 Invergordon, 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 Invergordon, United Kingdom.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Invergordon, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Invergordon, located in the Scottish Highlands, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Situated on the north shore of the Cromarty Firth, Invergordon is nestled in a relatively flat coastal plain that gradually rises into rolling hills and more rugged terrain as one moves inland. To the west and northwest of Invergordon, the land begins to undulate, forming gentle hills and valleys. This area is predominantly rural, with a patchwork of agricultural fields, pastures, and scattered woodlands. As you travel further north and west, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with higher hills and deeper valleys typical of the Highland region. To the east of Invergordon, the coastline stretches along the Moray Firth, featuring sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and steep cliffs. The coastal areas are generally low-lying, with occasional headlands providing panoramic views of the surrounding waters. South of Invergordon, across the Cromarty Firth, lies the Black Isle peninsula. This area is characterized by gently rolling farmland and wooded areas, with some steeper slopes along its coastline. The Black Isle offers a stark contrast to the more rugged landscapes found to the north and west of Invergordon.

Potential Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Invergordon, several factors must be taken into account, including topography, land use, and solar irradiance. The most promising locations for such projects would likely be found in the following areas: The coastal plain surrounding Invergordon offers relatively flat terrain that could accommodate large solar arrays. These areas receive good sunlight exposure due to their open nature and lack of significant geographical obstructions. However, care must be taken to avoid prime agricultural land and environmentally sensitive coastal habitats. The gently rolling hills to the west and northwest of Invergordon may also present opportunities for solar PV installations. South-facing slopes in particular could provide optimal angles for solar panels to capture maximum sunlight. These areas are often less intensively farmed and may offer a balance between suitable topography and minimal impact on productive agricultural land. Parts of the Black Isle peninsula, particularly its northern and eastern sections facing Invergordon, could also be considered for solar projects. The peninsula's generally flat to gently sloping terrain and favorable orientation towards the sun make it a potentially suitable location. It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, any large-scale solar PV project would need to undergo rigorous environmental and planning assessments. Factors such as grid connectivity, local wildlife habitats, and visual impact on the landscape would all need to be carefully considered before any development could proceed.

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.