Solar PV Analysis of Newbury, United Kingdom
The location of Newbury in the United Kingdom is moderately suitable for generating energy through solar PV systems throughout the year. The highest electricity output can be expected during summer, with an average of 5.13 kWh per day for each kW installed, followed by spring with an average of 4.36 kWh/day per kW installed. During autumn and winter, the power generation drops to 2.31 kWh/day and 1.07 kWh/day respectively.
This means that solar panels would generate most electricity in summer and spring when there are more daylight hours and the sun is at a higher position in the sky, resulting in more direct sunlight hitting the panels. However, even during autumn and winter when sunlight hours are fewer due to shorter days, some energy can still be generated though it will be significantly lower compared to other seasons.
To maximize total year-round production from solar PV at this location, fixed panel installations should ideally be tilted at an angle of approximately 44 degrees facing southwards as this allows them to capture maximum sunlight throughout different times of the year.
Certain environmental or weather factors could potentially impede solar production at this location given its geographical positioning within Northern Temperate Zone which experiences variable weather conditions across different seasons including cloud cover or fog which could reduce exposure to direct sunlight thus affecting energy generation levels.
To mitigate these issues where possible:
1) Regular cleaning/maintenance: Solar panels should be kept clean from dust or debris that may accumulate over time obstructing light penetration.
2) Correct installation: Panels should be properly installed without any shading objects nearby blocking direct sunlight access.
3) Use efficient technology: Consider using high-efficiency solar modules designed to perform well under diffused light conditions such as those common on cloudy days.
4) Energy storage system: Installing a battery storage system can help store excess power generated during peak times (summer/spring), which can then be used when production is low (autumn/winter).
Remember, while these measures can help improve the performance of solar panels, their effectiveness will still largely depend on weather conditions which are beyond human control.
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 Newbury
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.417, Longitude: -1.3313 (Newbury, 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 Newbury, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Newbury, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.417, -1.3313) 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 Newbury, 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 Newbury, 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 Newbury, 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 Newbury, 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 Newbury, United Kingdom
Newbury is located in the county of Berkshire, England. The topography around Newbury is characterized by rolling hills and flat plains with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The River Kennet flows through the town, adding to its scenic beauty.
As for solar PV installations, large-scale solar farms require open spaces that are relatively flat and receive ample sunlight throughout the year. In terms of geographical suitability, areas to the south or east of Newbury would be more suitable due to higher levels of sunlight exposure.
However, other factors such as land use restrictions, proximity to power grid connections, local planning policies and environmental considerations also play an important role in determining suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations.
Areas with agricultural lands could potentially be good candidates if they meet these criteria since dual-use farming (agrivoltaics) can allow for simultaneous crop production and electricity generation. Similarly, industrial zones or brownfield sites could also be considered due their minimal impact on natural habitats compared to greenfield sites.
It's worth noting that any proposed site will need detailed assessment including shadow analysis from surrounding features like buildings or trees which might block sun rays reaching panels thus reducing their efficiency.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 7th of June 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 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
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.
