Neasden, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.08 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.25 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest generation, with a mere 1.03 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Neasden's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The period from late spring through early autumn offers the most favorable conditions for solar energy production. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimizing Solar Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Neasden, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun with the high summer sun.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Several environmental factors can impact solar production in Neasden:

• Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar output. Using high-efficiency panels and micro-inverters can help mitigate this issue.
• Rain and humidity: These can decrease panel efficiency and increase maintenance needs. Installing panels with good water-shedding properties and regular cleaning can address this challenge.

Additionally, air pollution from nearby London may accumulate on panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help counteract this issue. Despite these challenges, with proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems in Neasden can still provide a valuable source of renewable energy, 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 763 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 Neasden

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.5426, Longitude: -0.2449 (Neasden, 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 Neasden, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Neasden, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.5426, -0.2449) 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 Neasden, 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 Neasden, 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	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 Neasden, 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 Neasden, 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 Neasden, United Kingdom

Neasden, located in northwest London, sits in an area with relatively gentle topography. The landscape around Neasden is characterized by low-lying, gently undulating terrain typical of the Thames Basin. The area is predominantly urban, with a mix of residential and industrial developments interspersed with small parks and open spaces. To the north and west of Neasden, the land gradually rises towards the Barnet Plateau, forming part of the northern heights of London. This subtle elevation change is barely noticeable in most parts of Neasden itself but becomes more pronounced as you move further out. To the south and east, the land slopes gently towards the Brent River valley, which runs roughly from northwest to southeast through the nearby area.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain in and around Neasden is generally favorable for solar installations, as it minimizes shading issues and simplifies construction. The most promising areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found on the outskirts of the urban area, where larger tracts of open land may be available. Specifically, areas to the northwest of Neasden, towards Wembley and Harrow, might offer potential sites. These areas have slightly higher elevations, which can be advantageous for solar exposure. Another possibility could be repurposing some of the industrial areas in the vicinity. Flat rooftops of large warehouses or factories could provide suitable spaces for solar panel installations without requiring additional land use. It's important to note that while the topography around Neasden is generally conducive to solar PV, the dense urban nature of the area presents challenges in finding sufficiently large, unobstructed spaces for truly large-scale installations. Any potential projects would need to carefully consider local planning regulations, existing land use, and the impact on the community.

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.