Newtown, Wales, 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.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Newtown, Wales, with an impressive daily output of 5.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.35 kWh per day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.08 kWh per day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 0.96 kWh daily.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the more favorable seasons.

Optimal Panel Installation

To achieve the best year-round solar energy production in Newtown, Wales, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can potentially impact solar energy production in Newtown:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Newtown experiences considerable rainfall, which may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, reducing their effectiveness.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions can help maximize energy production during overcast days.

In conclusion, while Newtown's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable option, especially during the spring and summer months.

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 Newtown

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.519, Longitude: -3.3776 (Newtown, 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 Newtown, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Newtown, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.519, -3.3776) 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 Newtown, 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 Newtown, 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
36° South in Summer	55° South in Autumn	66° South in Winter	44° 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 Newtown, 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 Newtown, 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 Newtown, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Newtown, United Kingdom, located at latitude 52.519 and longitude -3.3776, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of mid-Wales. The town itself is nestled in the Severn Valley, with the River Severn winding its way through the area. The topography is predominantly hilly, with a mix of rolling countryside and more pronounced elevations. To the north and west of Newtown, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with steep hills and valleys forming part of the Cambrian Mountains. These upland areas are often covered in a patchwork of grasslands, forests, and moorlands. The southern and eastern parts of the region tend to be slightly less dramatic in their elevation changes, featuring gentler slopes and broader valleys.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would typically be: South-facing slopes: The gently rolling hills to the south and east of Newtown offer potential sites for solar farms. These areas receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, maximizing energy production. Open farmland: The agricultural areas surrounding Newtown, particularly in the broader valleys and on less steep hillsides, could be suitable for solar installations. These locations often have fewer obstructions and are already cleared of trees. Brownfield sites: Any former industrial or commercial areas near Newtown that are no longer in use could be repurposed for solar energy production. These sites are often flat and have existing infrastructure that can be utilized. It's important to note that while the hilly terrain around Newtown can provide good south-facing slopes for solar panels, the more mountainous areas to the north and west may be less suitable due to increased shadow effects and difficult access. Additionally, any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, visual aesthetics, and local planning regulations before proceeding.

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.