Solar PV Analysis of Newtownards, United Kingdom
The location at Newtownards in the United Kingdom is somewhat suitable for generating energy through solar PV, although it's not ideal all year round. The most productive times are during summer and spring where you can expect to generate around 5.27kWh/day and 4.56kWh/day per kW of installed solar respectively. During autumn and winter, the output drops significantly to 1.86kWh/day and a mere 0.85kWh/day respectively.
To get the best out of your solar panels throughout the year in this location, you should install them at an angle facing 46 degrees South which will help maximize their exposure to sunlight.
However, there are some factors that could potentially hinder optimal production from your panels in Newtownards due to its geographical location and climate conditions.
Newtownards experiences relatively high rainfall throughout the year which might reduce sunlight exposure on some days leading to less power generation from your panels. Additionally, Northern Ireland tends to have quite a bit of cloud cover which again reduces sunlight intensity reaching your solar panels.
One way around these issues would be installing tracking systems on your solar panel setup that allows them move with sun as it changes position throughout day ensuring maximum sun exposure regardless of weather conditions (although this can add significant cost). It’s also possible use anti-reflective coating or even self-cleaning technology on the surface of your panels so they remain efficient despite any rain or dust buildup.
Another factor is temperature: Solar cells tend perform better under cooler conditions so while summer may provide more hours of daylight for power generation, extremely hot days could actually reduce efficiency slightly compared those with milder temperatures like spring or autumn.
It's also worth noting that local planning laws might restrict where you can place solar installations – always check local regulations before proceeding with installation project!
So overall while Newtownards isn't perfect for solar power due its variable weather patterns; careful planning regarding placement and possibly investing into some additional technology could make it a viable option for those interested in renewable energy.
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 Newtownards
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.5898, Longitude: -5.6864 (Newtownards, 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 46° South in Newtownards, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Newtownards, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.5898, -5.6864) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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 Newtownards, 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 Newtownards, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38° 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 Newtownards, 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 Newtownards, 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 Newtownards, United Kingdom
Newtownards is located in the eastern part of Northern Ireland, near the southeastern shore of Strangford Lough. The topography around Newtownards is relatively flat with some rolling hills. It's a mix of urban areas and agricultural fields, with some forests scattered throughout.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open and flat areas are typically best suited as they provide maximum exposure to sunlight and make installation easier. Considering this, the agricultural fields surrounding Newtownards could be potential sites for such installations.
However, it's essential to note that Northern Ireland does not have as high levels of sunshine compared to other parts of the UK or Europe due to its geographical location and weather patterns. Therefore, while technically possible, large-scale solar PV may not be as efficient or economically feasible in this region compared to sunnier locations.
Before proceeding with any large-scale solar project in this area, detailed site surveys would need to be carried out considering factors like local planning regulations, grid connection availability, environmental impact assessments etc., along with an evaluation of annual sunlight hours and weather conditions specific to those potential sites.
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: Tuesday 18th of June 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.
