Solar PV Analysis of Omagh, United Kingdom
Based on the given data, Omagh in Northern Ireland is not an ideal location for year-round solar energy generation. The amount of solar energy that can be produced varies greatly throughout the year.
In simple terms, a solar panel will produce more energy during summer and spring when there's more sunlight. Specifically, in Omagh you could expect about 4.87 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 4.14 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power.
However, during autumn and winter when days are shorter and there's less sunlight, the production drops significantly to only about 1.77 kWh/day in autumn and even lower to just 0.88 kWh/day in winter.
To get the most out of your panels all year round at this location, it would be best to tilt them at an angle of 46 degrees facing southwards.
There may also be other factors that could affect how much electricity you can generate from your panels here like local weather conditions or physical features of the landscape.
For instance, Northern Ireland is known for its cloudy weather which can block sunlight from reaching your panels reducing their output potential significantly compared to sunnier locations.
Also if there are high hills or buildings around they might cast shadows over your panels especially during low sun angles seen during winter months thus further reducing their productivity.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these challenges you should consider installing a tracking system that moves your panels so they always face directly towards the sun maximizing their exposure regardless of time or season but such systems are generally more expensive than fixed ones though they might pay off over time by generating more electricity overall due to increased efficiency.
Also consider using high-efficiency solar panels which perform better under less ideal conditions like low light or partial shade though again these tend to cost more upfront but might save you money long term by producing more power overall from same amount of sunlight.
Lastly, regular cleaning and maintenance of your panels can also help keep them working at their best by removing any dirt or debris that might block sunlight from reaching them.
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 761 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 Omagh
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 54.5682, Longitude: -7.3736 (Omagh, 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 Omagh, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Omagh, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 54.5682, -7.3736) 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 Omagh, 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 Omagh, 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 | 58° South in Autumn | 68° 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 Omagh, 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 Omagh, 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 Omagh, United Kingdom
Omagh, located in Northern Ireland, is characterized by a mix of lowland and upland topography. It is surrounded by the Sperrin Mountains to the north and the rolling hills of Tyrone to the south. The region has a variety of landscapes including valleys, plateaus, and rounded hills.
When considering areas for large-scale solar PV installations, factors such as land availability, solar irradiance levels, proximity to transmission lines or substations for grid connection are crucial. Flatter terrains would be more suitable for solar PV installations as they require less site preparation work.
In terms of these considerations:
1. Lowlands: These areas could potentially be suitable for large-scale solar PV due to their flat terrain which eases installation process. However, it's important also to consider land use patterns - if these areas are heavily used for agriculture or habitation this might limit their potential.
2. Plateaus: Depending on their elevation and exposure to sunlight (solar irradiance), plateaus could also be good candidates for large-scale solar PV systems because they typically have flat surfaces which are ideal for such installations.
3. Proximity to Transmission Lines/Substations: Any area that is close enough to existing infrastructure like substations or transmission lines would be advantageous since it reduces cost related with power evacuation from the plant site.
However specific feasibility studies including detailed sun radiation analysis should be conducted before deciding on any location.
It's worth noting that Northern Ireland doesn't have as high levels of sunlight as other parts of UK due its northern latitude position; this may affect the efficiency and output potential of any installed Solar PV system in Omagh area.
Therefore while theoretically possible locations can be identified based on topography alone; actual suitability will depend upon various factors including local weather conditions (specifically hours & intensity of sunlight), land availability & usage patterns plus proximity/accessibility towards existing power infrastructure network among others factors.
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: Saturday 17th of February 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 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.
