Largs, a town in North Ayrshire, Scotland, presents a challenging environment for solar PV energy generation due to its northern latitude and climate conditions. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 55.797, -4.8705, Largs experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Largs fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Summer months offer the highest potential, with an average daily output of 5.03 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 4.15 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in solar productivity, with outputs of 1.62 kWh/day and 0.77 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Installation Angle

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Largs, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 47 degrees facing south. This angle helps optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Several factors can impede solar production in Largs:

1. Limited daylight hours in winter
2. Frequent cloud cover and rainfall
3. Potential for snow accumulation

To address these challenges, consider installing high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Implement a robust cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove any snow or debris. Additionally, using micro-inverters or power optimizers can help mitigate the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.

Conclusion

While Largs is not an ideal location for year-round solar energy production, the summer and spring months offer significant potential. By optimizing panel placement and employing appropriate technologies, it's possible to harness solar energy effectively, particularly from late spring through early autumn. However, alternative or supplementary energy sources should be considered for the less productive autumn and winter 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 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 Largs

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.797, Longitude: -4.8705 (Largs, 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 47° South in Largs, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Largs, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.797, -4.8705) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Largs, 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 Largs, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
39° South in Summer	59° South in Autumn	69° South in Winter	47° 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 Largs, 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 Largs, 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 Largs, United Kingdom

The area around Largs, a coastal town in North Ayrshire, Scotland, features a diverse and picturesque topography. Situated on the western shore of the Firth of Clyde, Largs is nestled between the sea and the rolling hills that characterize much of the Scottish Lowlands. The coastline is generally flat and sandy, with some rocky outcrops and small cliffs in places. This gives way to gently sloping terrain as one moves inland, gradually rising into more pronounced hills and valleys. To the east of Largs, the landscape becomes increasingly hilly, with the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park dominating the horizon. This park encompasses a range of terrain, including moorland, forests, and lochs. The hills in this area, while not particularly high by Scottish standards, provide a striking backdrop to the town and offer panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde and the islands beyond.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The hilly terrain to the east of Largs presents both opportunities and challenges. South-facing slopes could potentially offer good exposure to sunlight, which is crucial for solar energy production. However, the steepness of some hills and the presence of protected landscapes within the regional park may limit the available areas for development. The flatter coastal areas to the north and south of Largs might be more suitable for large-scale solar installations. These areas often include agricultural land that could potentially be repurposed for solar farms. The relatively open landscape in these directions would provide fewer obstructions to sunlight, maximizing energy production potential. It's important to note that while Scotland is not known for its abundant sunshine, advances in solar technology have made it increasingly viable even in less sunny climates. The long summer days in this northern latitude can partly compensate for the reduced sunlight during winter months. Any large-scale solar PV development in the area would need to carefully balance energy production goals with environmental and aesthetic considerations. The scenic beauty of the region, its importance for tourism, and the presence of protected natural areas would all need to be taken into account when identifying suitable locations for solar farms.

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.

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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.