Solar PV Analysis of Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom
Bangor, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Bangor, with an average daily output of 5.52 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.81 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.03 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 0.91 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, emphasizing the challenges of relying solely on solar power throughout the year in this location. The period from late spring to early autumn offers the most favorable conditions for solar energy generation in Bangor.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Bangor, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can potentially impede solar production in Bangor:
- Cloud cover: The region is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar irradiance.
- Rainfall: Bangor experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel efficiency.
- Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in limited daylight hours during winter months.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, especially after rainy periods.
- Consider incorporating energy storage solutions to balance out the seasonal variations in solar production.
While Bangor's location presents some challenges for solar energy generation, proper system design and maintenance can help maximize the potential of solar PV installations in this area.
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 Bangor, Wales
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.2069, Longitude: -4.1184 (Bangor, Wales, 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 44° South in Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.2069, -4.1184) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 44° 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 Bangor, Wales, 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 Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° 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 Bangor, Wales, 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 Bangor, Wales, 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 Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom
The area around Bangor, United Kingdom, is characterized by diverse and picturesque topography. Situated on the coast of North Wales, Bangor is nestled between the Menai Strait and the foothills of Snowdonia National Park. The immediate surroundings of the city feature a mix of gently rolling hills and coastal lowlands.
To the south and southeast of Bangor, the landscape gradually rises into the rugged terrain of Snowdonia. This mountainous region is known for its dramatic peaks, steep valleys, and rocky outcrops. The transition from the coastal plain to the mountains creates a varied topography with increasing elevation as you move inland.
To the north and west, the land slopes down towards the Menai Strait, a narrow stretch of water separating the mainland from the Isle of Anglesey. The coastline in this area is characterized by rocky shores, small bays, and occasional sandy beaches. The Isle of Anglesey itself is generally flatter, with undulating farmland and coastal cliffs.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight. Given the topography around Bangor, the most suitable areas for solar PV would likely be found in the following locations:
- The coastal plain between Bangor and the foothills of Snowdonia: This area offers some flatter terrain and potentially fewer obstructions to sunlight.
- Parts of the Isle of Anglesey: The island's more level landscape could provide suitable sites for solar farms, particularly in areas away from the coast and residential zones.
- Valleys and broader areas within Snowdonia National Park: While much of the park is mountainous, some wider valleys or plateau areas might be appropriate for solar installations, though environmental considerations would need to be carefully addressed.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land use, environmental protections, grid connectivity, and local planning regulations would also need to be considered when determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects in the 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 29th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
