Solar PV Analysis of Mirfield, United Kingdom
Mirfield, England, a town in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Mirfield, England, with an impressive daily output of 5.09 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.27 kWh per day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.08 kWh per day, and plummets to a mere 0.96 kWh per day in winter.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the more favorable periods. The long summer days in Mirfield provide an excellent opportunity for solar energy generation, making it an ideal time to capitalize on renewable energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Mirfield, England, the ideal angle to tilt the panels for maximum year-round production is 45 degrees facing south. This orientation helps to optimize solar capture across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
Several environmental factors in Mirfield can impact solar energy production. The region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, can significantly reduce solar irradiance. To mitigate this, high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions should be considered.
Additionally, Mirfield's northern latitude means shorter winter days and longer periods of low light. Installing solar tracking systems can help maximize energy capture during these limited daylight hours. Regular panel cleaning is also crucial to maintain efficiency, as the area's industrial heritage and agricultural activities may lead to air pollution and dust accumulation on panels.
Despite these challenges, with proper planning and the right equipment, Mirfield residents can still benefit substantially from solar PV systems, particularly during the spring and summer months when daylight hours are abundant and solar irradiance is at its peak.
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 Mirfield
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.6732, Longitude: -1.6975 (Mirfield, 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 45° South in Mirfield, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mirfield, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.6732, -1.6975) 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.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Mirfield, 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 Mirfield, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 67° South in Winter | 46° 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 Mirfield, 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 Mirfield, 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 Mirfield, United Kingdom
The area around Mirfield, located in West Yorkshire, England, is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Pennine foothills. The town itself sits in a shallow valley along the River Calder, with the surrounding landscape gradually rising to form low hills and ridges.
To the north and west of Mirfield, the terrain becomes more elevated and undulating as it approaches the southern edge of the Pennines. This area features a mix of open farmland, scattered woodlands, and small villages nestled in the folds of the hills. The land to the south and east of Mirfield tends to be slightly flatter, with broader valleys and more gradual slopes.
The River Calder and its tributaries have shaped much of the local topography, carving out valleys and creating natural corridors through the landscape. These waterways have historically played a crucial role in the development of the region, supporting both agriculture and industry.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the most promising locations would likely be found to the south and east of Mirfield. These areas tend to have more expansive, open spaces with gentler slopes, which are generally more favorable for solar farms. The flatter terrain in these directions would allow for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels, as well as potentially better exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
However, it's important to note that the entire region experiences relatively high levels of cloud cover and rainfall compared to other parts of the UK, which could impact the overall efficiency of solar energy production. Additionally, any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider factors such as local planning regulations, environmental impact, and the preservation of agricultural land.
While the immediate vicinity of Mirfield may have limited suitable areas due to existing development and the undulating terrain, exploring locations within a broader radius to the south and east could yield more promising sites for large-scale solar PV installations. These areas might offer a better balance of open space, favorable topography, and potentially lower impact on local communities and the environment.
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: Friday 4th of October 2024
Last Updated: Friday 4th of October 2024
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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
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