The location in Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 52.6681 and longitude -0.9966, presents varying potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.15 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29 kWh per day. However, the colder months see a dramatic decrease in solar energy production. Autumn yields 2.24 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.08 kWh per day.

These figures highlight the considerable variation in solar energy potential across the year. The long, sunny days of summer provide ideal conditions for solar PV systems, making it the prime season for energy generation. Spring also offers favorable conditions, with increasing daylight hours and generally clearer skies.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this Leicestershire location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 45 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to balance the varying solar elevations throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors specific to this location may impact solar energy production:

1. Cloud cover: The UK, including Leicestershire, England, is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Short winter days: The northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting the amount of sunlight available for energy production.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
2. Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, which can be more prevalent in humid climates.
3. Consider a solar tracking system to maximize exposure during limited daylight hours, especially in winter.

While the location presents challenges, particularly during the colder months, proper system design and maintenance can help optimize solar 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 911 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 Leicestershire

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.6681, Longitude: -0.9966 (Leicestershire, 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:

Average 5.15kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.24kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.08kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.29kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 45° South in Leicestershire, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Leicestershire, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.6681, -0.9966) 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.

At Latitude: 52.6681, Longitude: -0.9966, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 45° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Leicestershire, 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 Leicestershire, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Leicestershire, 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 Leicestershire, 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 Leicestershire, United Kingdom

The topography around Leicestershire, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling hills and low-lying plains. This area, located in the East Midlands region of England, is part of what's known as the Midlands Plain. The landscape is generally mild and undulating, with few dramatic changes in elevation.

To the northwest of Leicestershire, you'll find the southern edges of the Pennine Hills, which introduce some more pronounced hills and valleys to the region. To the east, the land gradually flattens out towards the Fens, a low-lying coastal plain. The highest point in Leicestershire is Bardon Hill, which stands at about 278 meters (912 feet) above sea level, but most of the county sits at a much lower elevation.

Rivers play a significant role in shaping the local topography. The River Soar, a major tributary of the River Trent, flows through Leicestershire, creating a broad valley and contributing to the area's gentle landscape. Other smaller rivers and streams further define the subtle contours of the land.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play:

1. The relatively flat areas to the east and southeast of Leicestershire, stretching towards Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, could be well-suited for solar farms. These areas often have large, open fields with minimal shading from hills or forests.
2. Parts of southern Leicestershire and northern Northamptonshire, where the land is generally flatter and there are fewer urban developments, might offer good potential for solar installations.
3. The agricultural lands in eastern Leicestershire, particularly those with south-facing gentle slopes, could be ideal for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day.

It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor, other considerations such as grid connectivity, land use regulations, and environmental impact assessments would also play significant roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV projects in this region.

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.

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