Solar PV Analysis of Perth, United Kingdom
Perth, located in central Scotland, presents a mixed landscape for solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Perth, with panels generating an impressive 5.02 kWh per day for each kilowatt installed. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 3.94 kWh/day/kW. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic decrease in solar output, with 1.68 kWh/day/kW and 0.75 kWh/day/kW respectively.
The stark contrast between summer and winter performance highlights the challenges of year-round solar generation in this northern latitude. While summer months offer extended daylight hours and potentially clear skies, winter brings short days and often overcast conditions, significantly impacting solar efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Perth, fixed panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 48 degrees facing south. This angle is optimized to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Perth:
- Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter
- Potential for snow accumulation on panels during winter months
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings to reduce snow adherence. Additionally, implementing a panel cleaning routine can help maintain efficiency, particularly during periods of low rainfall or after snowfall.
Conclusion
While Perth's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, it still offers significant potential, especially during spring and summer. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental factors, solar PV systems can provide a valuable contribution to the area's renewable energy mix, despite the challenges posed by its northern latitude.
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 Perth
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.421, Longitude: -3.4766 (Perth, 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 48° South in Perth, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Perth, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 56.421, -3.4766) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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 Perth, 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 Perth, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40° 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 Perth, 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 Perth, 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 Perth, United Kingdom
The area around Perth, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape. Perth itself is situated in a valley along the River Tay, surrounded by gently rolling hills and lowlands. The city is nestled between two prominent hill ranges: the Ochil Hills to the south and the Grampian Mountains to the north.
To the immediate west and northwest of Perth, the terrain gradually rises into the foothills of the Highlands. This area features a mix of farmland, woodland, and open moorland. The landscape becomes more rugged and mountainous as you move further north and west into the Highlands proper.
East of Perth, the land flattens out into the fertile plains of Strathmore, a long, wide valley that stretches northeast towards Forfar and Montrose. This area is predominantly agricultural, with gently undulating fields and scattered woodlands.
South of Perth, the terrain is generally less hilly, with the exception of the Ochil Hills. This region features a mix of farmland and urban development as it transitions towards the lowlands of central Scotland.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the most promising locations would likely be found in the flatter, more open areas to the east and southeast of Perth. The plains of Strathmore, with their relatively level terrain and good exposure to sunlight, could potentially accommodate solar farms without significant topographical obstacles.
Additionally, some of the gentler slopes and plateaus in the hills to the south and west of Perth might also be suitable, provided they have good southern exposure and are not too steep or shadowed by higher peaks. However, it's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land use, environmental considerations, and grid connectivity would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar installations.
The immediate vicinity of Perth itself, being a built-up urban area in a river valley, is less likely to be suitable for large-scale solar developments. Similarly, the more mountainous regions to the north and west, while potentially having some suitable sites, would generally be more challenging due to their rugged terrain and potential for shadowing from nearby peaks.
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 17th of September 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.
