Solar PV Analysis of Knutsford, United Kingdom
The location at Knutsford, England, United Kingdom is moderately suitable for generating energy via solar PV all year round. However, the effectiveness varies significantly throughout the seasons due to changes in sunlight exposure and weather conditions.
During summer, you can expect a high output of 5.31kWh/day per kW of installed solar, making it an ideal time for solar energy production. The spring also offers decent production rates with an average of 4.39kWh/day per kW installed.
However, during autumn and winter the efficiency drops considerably to 1.94kWh/day and 0.90 kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sun rays.
To maximize total year-round production from solar PV at this location, panels should be tilted at an angle of 45 degrees facing south for fixed panel installations.
When considering local factors that could impede solar production in Knutsford - weather conditions such as cloudy skies or heavy rainfall could decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the panels thus reducing their efficiency. Furthermore, potential shading from nearby buildings or trees may also impact productivity if not properly considered when installing panels.
Preventative measures that can be taken when installing solar include positioning your panels where they'll get maximum sun exposure - avoiding shade from nearby structures or vegetation as much as possible. Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure optimal performance by removing any dirt or debris that might block sunlight from reaching your panels effectively.
In conclusion: while there are periods throughout the year where energy generation through Solar PV is lower than desired (particularly Autumn & Winter), overall Knutsford provides reasonable conditions for harnessing Solar Energy particularly in Spring & Summer months provided steps are taken to optimize installation & maintain equipment.
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 Knutsford
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.3556, Longitude: -2.4535 (Knutsford, 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 Knutsford, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Knutsford, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.3556, -2.4535) 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 Knutsford, 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 Knutsford, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° 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 Knutsford, 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 Knutsford, 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 Knutsford, United Kingdom
Knutsford is located in Cheshire, United Kingdom. The topography of the area is mostly flat or gently rolling, which makes it suitable for agriculture and potentially for solar PV installations as well.
The best areas nearby for large-scale solar PV would likely be open fields with little to no tree cover to avoid shading issues. These locations should also ideally have good access to roads and the local electricity grid for ease of installation and connection.
It's important to note that while the physical landscape may be suitable, other factors such as local planning regulations, environmental considerations (such as potential impact on wildlife), and public opinion can also play a significant role in determining whether an area is suited for large-scale solar PV installations.
Moreover, since Knutsford lies in North West England where sunshine hours are less compared to southern parts of UK, efficiency might be lower but advancements in technology have made it possible for solar panels to generate electricity even during cloudy days.
As always before starting any such project a detailed feasibility study considering all these factors should be carried out by professionals in this field.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 16th of May 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 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.
