Llantwit Major, located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this coastal town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.36 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.48 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn (2.25 kWh/day) and plummets in winter (1.01 kWh/day).

These figures indicate that Llantwit Major is well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. However, the stark contrast between summer and winter output suggests that reliance on solar power alone may be challenging during the colder months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Llantwit Major, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 43-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the town's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Llantwit Major:

1. Coastal Weather: Being a coastal town, Llantwit Major may experience more frequent cloud cover and sea mist, which can reduce solar efficiency.
2. Rain: The region is known for its relatively high rainfall, which can affect solar panel performance.
3. Wind: Strong coastal winds may carry salt spray and debris, potentially causing panel degradation over time.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed for coastal environments.
• Install a reliable cleaning system or schedule regular maintenance to remove salt deposits and debris.
• Employ micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from cloud cover.
• Consider a slight increase in panel tilt to promote natural cleaning by rainfall.

While Llantwit Major may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, with proper planning and mitigation strategies, it can still be a viable location for solar PV installations, particularly during the sunnier months of 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 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 Llantwit Major

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.408, Longitude: -3.4599 (Llantwit Major, 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 43° South in Llantwit Major, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Llantwit Major, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.408, -3.4599) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Llantwit Major, 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 Llantwit Major, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
35° South in Summer	54° South in Autumn	65° South in Winter	43° 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 Llantwit Major, 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 Llantwit Major, 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 Llantwit Major, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Llantwit Major in South Wales is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape. Situated along the coast of the Bristol Channel, this region features a mix of gently rolling hills, fertile farmland, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The town itself is nestled in a shallow valley, with the land gradually rising to the north and east. To the south, the coastline is dominated by rugged limestone cliffs that offer stunning views of the sea. These cliffs are interspersed with small, rocky beaches and coves, creating a dramatic and varied shoreline. The famous Glamorgan Heritage Coast stretches eastward from Llantwit Major, showcasing some of the most scenic coastal landscapes in Wales. Inland, the topography becomes more undulating, with a patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and small woodlands covering the gentle hills. The land rises gradually as you move away from the coast, with elevations typically ranging from sea level to around 100 meters above sea level within a few kilometers of the town.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Llantwit Major, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would likely be found in the gently sloping agricultural lands to the north and east of the town. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development: Firstly, the gradual incline of the land provides good exposure to sunlight throughout the day, which is crucial for maximizing solar energy production. The open fields in these areas also offer ample space for large arrays of solar panels without significant obstruction from trees or buildings. Secondly, the agricultural nature of much of this land means that it is already cleared and relatively flat, reducing the need for extensive land preparation. This could make installation and maintenance of solar panels more cost-effective. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production with the preservation of the area's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Areas closer to the coast or within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast would likely be less suitable due to their scenic value and potential impact on tourism. Additionally, careful consideration would need to be given to the local grid infrastructure and the capacity to handle large-scale power generation. Proximity to existing power lines and substations would be an important factor in determining the most suitable locations for solar PV installations. In conclusion, while the rolling farmlands north and east of Llantwit Major offer potential for solar energy development, any such projects would need to be carefully planned to minimize environmental impact and preserve the character of this beautiful Welsh landscape.

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.