Solar PV Analysis of Paisley, United Kingdom
Paisley, a town in Scotland, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, its potential for solar power varies significantly throughout the year.
The summer months offer the most promising conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 5.10kWh per kW of installed capacity. This period provides ample daylight hours and generally clearer skies, making it ideal for solar PV systems.
Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.22kWh/day per kW installed. During this time, increasing daylight and improving weather conditions contribute to respectable energy generation.
Seasonal Challenges
Autumn sees a significant drop in solar output, with only 1.68kWh/day per kW installed. This decline is due to shorter days and typically cloudier weather. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with a mere 0.81kWh/day per kW installed, owing to very short days, low sun angles, and frequently overcast skies.
To maximize year-round solar production in Paisley, panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 47 degrees facing South. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight possible throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
Several environmental factors can impact solar production in Paisley:
- Frequent cloud cover: Paisley experiences significant cloud cover throughout the year, particularly in autumn and winter. To mitigate this, high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions should be considered.
- Rain and humidity: The area's high rainfall can reduce panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help offset this issue.
- Short winter days: While unavoidable, this can be partially compensated for by ensuring panels are free from shading and positioned at the optimal angle.
Despite these challenges, advancements in solar technology continue to improve panel efficiency even in less-than-ideal conditions. With proper planning and installation, solar energy can still be a viable option for supplementing power needs in Paisley, particularly during the more favorable months of spring and summer.
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 Paisley
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.8319, Longitude: -4.4322 (Paisley, 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 47° South in Paisley, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Paisley, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.8319, -4.4322) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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 Paisley, 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 Paisley, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39° South in Summer | 59° South in Autumn | 69° South in Winter | 48° 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 Paisley, 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 Paisley, 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 Paisley, United Kingdom
The topography around Paisley, United Kingdom, is characterized by a mix of urban areas and gently rolling countryside. Paisley itself is situated in a relatively flat area near the River Cart, with the terrain gradually rising as you move away from the town center. To the south and southeast, the land becomes more hilly, with several small peaks and valleys creating a picturesque landscape.
To the north of Paisley, the terrain remains relatively flat as it stretches towards the River Clyde. This area is largely urbanized, with neighboring towns and suburbs blending into one another. To the west, the land gently slopes towards the coast, where it meets the Firth of Clyde.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Paisley might be suitable:
The agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Paisley could potentially accommodate solar farms. These areas offer more open space and fewer obstructions to sunlight. The gently rolling hills in this region might provide some south-facing slopes, which are ideal for maximizing solar energy capture.
Areas to the west of Paisley, as the land slopes towards the coast, might also be suitable. These locations could benefit from clearer skies and less urban development, potentially offering better solar exposure. However, care would need to be taken to avoid areas prone to coastal flooding or erosion.
It's important to note that while these areas might be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, grid connectivity, and local planning regulations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV installations. Additionally, given the relatively northern latitude of Paisley, the overall solar potential may be lower compared to more southern locations, which could impact the economic viability of large-scale 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: Tuesday 20th of August 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.
