Solar PV Analysis of Olney, United Kingdom
Olney, England, a town in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Olney, England, with an average daily output of 5.15 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29 kWh per day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.24 kWh per day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing a mere 1.08 kWh daily.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer generating nearly five times the energy of winter. This disparity is primarily due to the longer daylight hours and higher sun angles during summer months.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Olney, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar energy production in Olney:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequently overcast skies, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rain and humidity: Olney experiences considerable rainfall, which can affect panel performance and require more frequent cleaning.
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can also help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, incorporating a battery storage system can help balance out the seasonal variations in energy production.
In conclusion, while Olney's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to significant seasonal variations and weather patterns, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for 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 Olney
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.1577, Longitude: -0.6935 (Olney, 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 Olney, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Olney, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.1577, -0.6935) 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 Olney, 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 Olney, 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 Olney, 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 Olney, 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 Olney, United Kingdom
The area around Olney, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the English Midlands. The town itself sits in a shallow valley along the River Great Ouse, with the surrounding landscape gradually rising to form low hills and ridges. The terrain is generally open and consists of a patchwork of agricultural fields, meadows, and small woodlands.
To the north and east of Olney, the land remains relatively flat, with subtle undulations. As you move south and west, the topography becomes slightly more pronounced, with some areas featuring more noticeable hills and valleys. However, even these elevated areas are modest in height compared to more mountainous regions of the UK.
The region's geology is primarily composed of limestone and clay, which has influenced the gentle nature of the landscape over millions of years of erosion and weathering. This has resulted in a terrain that is neither dramatically hilly nor entirely flat, but rather a pleasant mix of subtle contours and open vistas.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Olney, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would typically be:
1. South-facing slopes: Gentle hillsides that face south would be ideal, as they receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day. These can be found scattered around the region, particularly to the north and west of Olney.
2. Open agricultural land: The expansive farm fields in the area, especially those that are less productive or on marginal agricultural land, could be well-suited for solar farms. These areas offer large, unobstructed spaces necessary for substantial installations.
3. Former industrial or brownfield sites: While less common in this rural area, any unused industrial land or brownfield sites near larger towns in the vicinity could be repurposed for solar energy production.
4. Areas away from sensitive landscapes: It's important to consider visual impact, so locations that are somewhat hidden from major viewpoints or residential areas might be preferred. The gently rolling nature of the landscape can help in this regard, offering some natural screening.
5. Proximity to electrical infrastructure: Areas close to existing power lines or substations would be advantageous for easier grid connection. This might favor locations closer to larger towns or along major transport corridors.
It's worth noting that while the topography around Olney is generally favorable for solar PV, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations. Factors such as local planning regulations, environmental considerations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the area.
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: Sunday 28th of July 2024
Last Updated: Sunday 28th 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.
