Solar PV Analysis of Oxford, United Kingdom
Oxford, England, UK, is a decent location for producing energy from solar panels throughout the year, however there are better places. The amount of energy that can be produced varies greatly depending on the season. In the summer and spring, you can expect to generate quite a bit of energy (5.13 kilowatt-hours per day in summer and 4.36 in spring for every kilowatt of solar power installed). These would be the best times to rely on solar power.
However, during autumn and winter, less sunlight means less power production (2.31 kWh/day in autumn and only 1.07 kWh/day in winter). So while it's possible to use solar panels year-round here, they'll be much more effective during some parts of the year than others.
For optimal results with fixed panel installations at this location, it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 44 degrees facing southwards - this will maximize their exposure to sunlight over the course of a year.
As for local factors that might affect solar production; Oxford is known for its relatively cloudy weather which can reduce sunlight exposure and thus decrease potential energy output from your panels significantly - especially during seasons with less sun overall like autumn or winter.
To mitigate these issues as much as possible when installing your system: Consider using technology designed to work well even under low-light conditions; install additional capacity so you still generate enough power even when conditions aren't perfect; or consider coupling your system with battery storage or another form of renewable energy like wind turbines so you're not solely reliant on sunshine for power generation.
Also remember regular maintenance is key! Keeping your panels clean and free from obstructions like trees or buildings will ensure they get as much light as possible all through out the year.
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 754 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 Oxford
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7561, Longitude: -1.1475 (Oxford, 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 Oxford, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Oxford, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7561, -1.1475) 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford, United Kingdom
Oxford, United Kingdom is located in the South East region of England. The topography of Oxford is mostly flat and low-lying, with the River Thames (also known as Isis locally) flowing through the city. It's surrounded by several hills such as Headington Hill and Boars Hill, providing a mix of urban and rural landscapes.
The flat areas in and around Oxford would generally be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations due to their direct exposure to sunlight. However, considering environmental factors, agricultural land use, local planning regulations and proximity to grid connections are also important.
Potential areas could include:
1. Open fields or farmlands around the outskirts of Oxford: These areas often have little shading which allows for maximum sun exposure.
2. Industrial estates or commercial rooftops: Large buildings like warehouses have expansive roof space which can be utilized for solar panel installation without taking up additional land.
3. Brownfield sites: These are previously developed lands that are not currently in use could be repurposed into solar farms.
It's important to conduct a detailed feasibility study before deciding on a location for large-scale solar PV installation since it involves significant investment and planning considerations.
In terms of irradiance levels necessary for efficient operation of Solar PV systems, Southern UK tends to receive relatively high levels compared with other parts of UK making it more viable option for Solar energy generation projects.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 29th of January 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.
