Northwood, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.13 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.36 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.31 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest generation, with a mere 1.07 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial difference between peak and off-peak seasons, with summer generating nearly five times more energy than winter. This variation is primarily due to the location's latitude and the changing angle of the sun throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round energy production, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 44-degree angle facing south. This tilt helps optimize solar capture across all seasons, balancing between the high summer sun and the low winter sun.

Environmental Factors

While Northwood's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can reduce solar efficiency.
• Rain and humidity: These can affect panel performance and may require more frequent cleaning.

To mitigate these issues, consider using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular panel cleaning and maintenance can also help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, installing a slightly oversized system can help compensate for lower production during cloudy periods.

In conclusion, while Northwood's location presents challenges, particularly during winter months, it still offers significant potential for solar energy generation, especially from late spring through early autumn. With proper system design and maintenance, solar PV can be 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 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 Northwood

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.6143, Longitude: -0.4188 (Northwood, 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 Northwood, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Northwood, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.6143, -0.4188) 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 Northwood, 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 Northwood, 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	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 Northwood, 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 Northwood, 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 Northwood, United Kingdom

The topography around Northwood, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Chiltern Hills region. This area, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, sits on the northwestern outskirts of Greater London. The landscape is a mix of suburban development and green spaces, with elevations ranging from about 50 to 100 meters above sea level. Northwood itself is situated on slightly higher ground compared to its immediate surroundings, offering pleasant views of the countryside. The area features a combination of residential neighborhoods, parks, and wooded areas. To the north and west of Northwood, the terrain becomes more rural, with open fields and scattered woodlands dominating the landscape.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, it's important to look for open, relatively flat spaces with good sun exposure. The rural areas to the north and west of Northwood offer the most promising locations for such projects. Specifically, the agricultural lands between Northwood and Rickmansworth, as well as the open fields near Harefield and Denham, could potentially accommodate large solar arrays. These areas benefit from fewer obstructions and less urban development, allowing for more expansive installations. However, it's crucial to note that much of the surrounding countryside falls within the Metropolitan Green Belt, which imposes restrictions on development. Any large-scale solar projects would need to carefully navigate planning regulations and environmental considerations. The gently sloping hillsides in these areas could actually be advantageous for solar installations, as they can be oriented to maximize sun exposure throughout the day. South-facing slopes would be particularly desirable for this purpose. While the immediate vicinity of Northwood is largely suburban and unsuitable for large-scale solar projects, the transition to more rural landscapes within a few kilometers provides opportunities for renewable energy development, subject to proper planning and approval processes.

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.