Kirkby in Ashfield, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.03 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.20 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.02 kWh/day. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with a meager 0.92 kWh/day, highlighting the stark contrast between seasons.

Optimal Panel Placement

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Kirkby in Ashfield, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 45-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle ensures the best overall performance across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun position.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production at this location:

• Frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter months
• Potential for snow accumulation in winter
• Air pollution from nearby urban areas

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt and pollutants

Conclusion

While Kirkby in Ashfield may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, it still offers significant potential, particularly during spring and summer. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental factors, residents can make the most of the available solar resources, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

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 754 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 Kirkby In Ashfield

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.1315, Longitude: -1.2975 (Kirkby In Ashfield, 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 Kirkby In Ashfield, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kirkby In Ashfield, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.1315, -1.2975) 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 Kirkby In Ashfield, 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 Kirkby In Ashfield, 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
36° South in Summer	56° South in Autumn	66° South in Winter	45° 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 Kirkby In Ashfield, 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 Kirkby In Ashfield, 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 Kirkby In Ashfield, United Kingdom

Kirkby in Ashfield, located in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, is situated in an area characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys. The landscape surrounding this town is a mix of urban development, agricultural fields, and patches of woodland. The terrain is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from approximately 100 to 200 meters above sea level. To the west of Kirkby in Ashfield, the land gradually rises towards the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, creating a more pronounced hilly landscape. To the east, the topography becomes slightly flatter as it transitions into the Nottinghamshire lowlands.

Nearby Areas Suitable for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Kirkby in Ashfield for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from trees or buildings. The agricultural land to the east and southeast of Kirkby in Ashfield presents potential opportunities for solar PV development. These areas tend to be more open and less hilly, providing better conditions for solar panel arrays. The fields between Kirkby in Ashfield and nearby towns like Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield could be particularly suitable. Another promising area for solar PV installations might be found in the reclaimed land of former coal mining sites in the region. These brownfield sites often offer large, open spaces with minimal competing land uses. The area around Annesley Woodhouse, just south of Kirkby in Ashfield, could be a potential location, as it has undergone significant regeneration following the closure of local collieries. It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, any large-scale solar PV development would need to consider other factors such as grid connection availability, local planning regulations, and environmental impact assessments. Additionally, the specific suitability of any site would require detailed on-the-ground surveys and analysis.

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.