Solar PV Analysis of Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
The location at Newcastle-under-Lyme in the United Kingdom is not the most ideal place for year-round solar energy generation, but it isn't the worst either. This area sees varying levels of sunlight throughout different seasons which affects how much electricity a solar panel can produce.
During summer, each kilowatt of installed solar can generate an average of 5.31 kWh per day, which is quite good. Spring also provides decent output with around 4.39 kWh generated per day for each kilowatt of installed solar power. However, during autumn and winter, the output drops significantly to 1.94 and 0.90 kWh respectively due to shorter days and less intense sunlight.
If you are planning to install solar panels here, they should ideally be tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing south to get maximum exposure from the sun throughout the year.
There could be a few factors that might impede your ability to generate optimal amounts of solar energy in this region though:
1) Weather: The UK experiences frequent cloud cover and rainfall which could reduce direct sunlight reaching your panels.
2) Seasonal Variations: As mentioned earlier, there's significant variation in daylight hours across different seasons affecting potential energy production.
3) Physical Obstructions: Buildings or trees may block direct sunlight from reaching your panels depending on their location.
To combat these issues:
- You might consider using more efficient types of panels that perform better under cloudy conditions.
- Regular maintenance like cleaning off any dirt or debris on your panels will ensure they're working as efficiently as possible.
- If physical obstructions are a problem then choosing a suitable site without such obstructions would be beneficial.
So while Newcastle-under-Lyme may not offer perfect conditions for generating solar power all year round due to its weather patterns and seasonal variations; with careful planning, proper installation techniques and regular maintenance you can still harness substantial amounts of clean renewable energy from the sun 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 761 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 Newcastle-under-Lyme
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.0169, Longitude: -2.2369 (Newcastle-under-Lyme, 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 Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.0169, -2.2369) 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 Newcastle-under-Lyme, 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 Newcastle-under-Lyme, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° 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 Newcastle-under-Lyme, 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 Newcastle-under-Lyme, 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 Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
Newcastle-under-Lyme is located in the West Midlands region of England, United Kingdom. The topography of this area is characterized by a mix of flat and hilly terrain. It lies within the Staffordshire Moorlands, which are part of the Peak District National Park. This area has many valleys and hills with altitudes ranging from 150 to over 500 meters above sea level.
As for solar PV installations, flat areas are generally more suitable since they require less site preparation work and can accommodate larger arrays. However, hilly areas can also be used if they have good sun exposure (south-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere) and aren't too steep.
In terms of specific locations around Newcastle-under-Lyme that might be suited for large-scale solar PV:
1. Areas to the east towards Stoke-on-Trent could provide potential sites as it is relatively flatter compared to other directions.
2. Farmlands or brownfield sites could also be considered if they aren't being actively used for agriculture or development.
3. Large rooftops such as warehouses or factories could potentially host rooftop solar installations.
It's important to note that any potential site would need a detailed assessment considering factors like local planning regulations, grid connectivity, environmental impact etc., before proceeding with installation.
The UK's climate isn't as sunny as some other countries but still receives enough sunlight to make solar power viable - especially with advances in technology allowing panels to generate electricity even on cloudy days.
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: Monday 1st of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 1st of July 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.
