Solar PV Analysis of Newry, United Kingdom
Newry, Northern Ireland, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 54.1064, -5.8939, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.27 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.56 kWh/day. However, the output drops dramatically during autumn and winter, with 1.86 kWh/day and 0.85 kWh/day respectively.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing over six times more energy than winter. This variation is primarily due to the location's northern latitude, resulting in longer daylight hours and higher sun angles during summer, and shorter days with lower sun angles in winter.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Newry, Northern Ireland, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Newry:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Newry experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel output.
- Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting solar production.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and ensure greater energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Newry:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat the effects of rainfall and potential debris
- Consider incorporating energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal variations in production
- Explore the use of bifacial panels to capture reflected light, potentially increasing overall energy yield
While Newry's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option in this area.
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 911 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 Newry
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.1064, Longitude: -5.8939 (Newry, 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 Newry, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Newry, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.1064, -5.8939) 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 Newry, 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 Newry, 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 Newry, 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 Newry, 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 Newry, United Kingdom
The area around Newry, located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, has a varied and interesting topography. Newry itself sits in a valley, nestled between two significant geographical features. To the east, you'll find the Mourne Mountains, a picturesque range known for its granite peaks and scenic beauty. The highest point in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard, is part of this range. To the west of Newry lie the Ring of Gullion and the South Armagh hills, which are characterized by their rolling, gentler slopes.
The city of Newry is situated at the head of Carlingford Lough, a sea inlet that forms part of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This location means that the immediate area around Newry has relatively low-lying terrain, with the land gradually rising as you move away from the lough and the city center.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Ideal locations for solar farms typically have flat or gently sloping land, good exposure to sunlight, and minimal shading from trees or other obstructions. With these criteria in mind, the following areas near Newry might be suitable:
The lowland areas to the north and south of Newry, extending towards Banbridge and Dundalk respectively, offer relatively flat terrain that could be suitable for solar installations. These areas have fewer steep slopes compared to the mountainous regions and may receive good sunlight exposure.
The valley floors and lower slopes of the hills to the west of Newry, in South Armagh, might also provide potential sites. While not entirely flat, these areas have gentler gradients than the nearby mountains and could still offer suitable locations for solar panels.
It's important to note that while the topography is favorable in these areas, other factors such as land ownership, grid connectivity, and local planning regulations would also need to be considered for any large-scale solar PV project. Additionally, the relatively northern latitude of Newry means that overall solar irradiance is lower compared to more southern locations, which could impact the efficiency and economic viability of large-scale solar installations in the region.
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: Saturday 28th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
