Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 51.7251, -3.3642, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

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 reaches its lowest point in winter (1.01 kWh/day).

These figures indicate that Merthyr Tydfil is most suitable for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to higher energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 44 degrees facing south. This angle helps optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the sun's varying positions throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors may impact solar production in Merthyr Tydfil:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: Merthyr Tydfil receives considerable rainfall, which may affect panel efficiency and require more frequent cleaning.
3. Air pollution: Being a former industrial area, air quality issues could potentially reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following when installing solar PV systems:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions
• Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular panel cleaning to combat rainfall and pollution effects
• Implement micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during peak production months

While Merthyr Tydfil may not be ideal for year-round solar production, proper system design and maintenance can still yield significant energy benefits, particularly during the more favorable 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 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 Merthyr Tydfil

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7251, Longitude: -3.3642 (Merthyr Tydfil, 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 Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7251, -3.3642) 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 Merthyr Tydfil, 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 Merthyr Tydfil, 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
35° South in Summer	55° South in Autumn	65° South in Winter	44° 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 Merthyr Tydfil, 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 Merthyr Tydfil, 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 Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom

Merthyr Tydfil, located in South Wales, United Kingdom, is situated in a region characterized by diverse and dramatic topography. The town itself sits in a valley, surrounded by rolling hills and steep-sided mountains that are typical of the South Wales Valleys. This landscape has been shaped by both natural processes and centuries of human activity, particularly mining and industrial development. To the north and west of Merthyr Tydfil, the terrain rises sharply into the Brecon Beacons National Park. This area is dominated by rugged peaks, including Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in southern Britain. The slopes here are often steep and rocky, with exposed ridges and deep valleys carved by glaciers during the last ice age.

Local Topography

In the immediate vicinity of Merthyr Tydfil, the landscape is a mix of urban development in the valley floor and more rural, hilly areas on the outskirts. The River Taff flows through the town, having carved a path through the surrounding hills over millennia. The valley sides are often steep, with some areas prone to landslips due to the combination of natural geology and past mining activities. To the east and south, the terrain becomes gradually less mountainous, transitioning into gentler hills and eventually the coastal plain of South Wales. This area is characterized by a patchwork of fields, woodlands, and small settlements, with the land becoming progressively flatter as it approaches the Bristol Channel.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that might be suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors need to be taken into account. While the mountainous terrain might seem challenging, there are potential opportunities for solar development in the region. The south-facing slopes of hills and mountains could be suitable locations for solar farms, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, care would need to be taken to avoid areas of particular natural beauty or ecological importance, especially within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Former industrial sites and reclaimed mining areas around Merthyr Tydfil could also offer potential for solar PV development. These brownfield sites often have the advantage of existing infrastructure and may have fewer planning restrictions compared to greenfield locations. The flatter areas to the south and east of Merthyr Tydfil, where the terrain becomes less mountainous, could be more suitable for large-scale solar installations. These areas generally have better access, which is important for construction and maintenance, and the flatter ground can make installation easier and more cost-effective. It's important to note that while the topography is a crucial factor in determining suitable sites for solar PV, other considerations such as grid connection availability, local planning policies, and environmental impact assessments would also play a significant role in identifying the most appropriate locations for large-scale solar developments in the region around Merthyr Tydfil.

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.