Newark-on-Trent, 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 solar PV systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Newark-on-Trent, 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.

This stark contrast between seasons highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round. The long, sunny days of summer and spring provide excellent conditions for solar generation, making these seasons ideal for maximizing energy production and potentially storing excess energy for use during less productive periods.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Newark-on-Trent, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Newark-on-Trent:

• Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
• Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting the amount of sunlight available for energy production.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Install a solar tracking system to maximize exposure to available sunlight.
• Regularly clean panels to remove dust and debris that may accumulate, especially during drier periods.
• Consider complementing the solar system with other renewable energy sources or energy storage solutions to ensure a more consistent power supply year-round.

While Newark-on-Trent may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and installation can still make solar PV a valuable component of a diversified energy strategy in this location.

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 Newark On Trent

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.0674, Longitude: -0.8225 (Newark On Trent, 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 Newark On Trent, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Newark On Trent, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.0674, -0.8225) 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 Newark On Trent, 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 Newark On Trent, 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
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 Newark On Trent, 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 Newark On Trent, 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 Newark On Trent, United Kingdom

Newark-on-Trent, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is situated in a relatively flat and low-lying area. The town itself sits on a small rise above the surrounding landscape, which is characterized by gently rolling plains and river valleys. The River Trent, a major waterway in the region, flows to the east of the town, creating a broad floodplain that extends for several miles. The area surrounding Newark-on-Trent is predominantly rural, with a mix of agricultural fields, meadows, and small patches of woodland. To the west and northwest, the land gradually rises towards the gentle hills of the Nottinghamshire Wolds. These hills, while not particularly steep or high, provide some subtle variations in the landscape. To the east and southeast of Newark, the topography becomes even flatter as it transitions into the Trent Valley. This area is known for its expansive, open fields and occasional wetlands. The River Devon, a tributary of the Trent, joins the larger river just south of Newark, creating additional floodplains and marshy areas.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations near Newark-on-Trent, several factors come into play. The ideal areas would be relatively flat, open spaces with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or buildings. Based on the local topography, some potentially suitable areas include: The agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Newark would be prime candidates for solar farms. These areas are generally flat, with few obstructions to block sunlight. The expansive fields in the Trent Valley provide ample space for large installations. The gently sloping fields to the west and northwest of Newark, leading towards the Nottinghamshire Wolds, could also be suitable. While not as flat as the eastern areas, these locations still offer good sun exposure and have the advantage of being slightly elevated, which can improve solar efficiency. It's important to note that while the topography around Newark-on-Trent is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as grid connectivity, land ownership, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects.

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.