Solar Energy Potential in Redruth, England, United Kingdom

Redruth, England, located in the Northern Temperate Zone of the United Kingdom, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (50.2243, -5.2586) contribute to its unique solar profile, with distinct seasonal variations in energy output. Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Redruth, England, with an impressive average daily output of 5.89 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.04 kWh/day. These seasons present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies. However, the potential for solar energy generation diminishes significantly during autumn and winter. Autumn sees a considerable drop to 2.32 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.15 kWh/day. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power year-round in Redruth's climate.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Redruth, England, it's crucial to install fixed solar panels at the optimal angle. For this location, the ideal tilt angle is 42 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the Earth's elliptical orbit and Redruth's specific geographical position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Redruth: 1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloudy days, particularly in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output. 2. Rainfall: Redruth has a relatively high annual rainfall, which can affect panel efficiency if not properly managed. 3. Coastal proximity: The town's location near the coast may expose solar installations to salt spray, potentially causing corrosion over time. To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed for coastal environments
• Install a robust cleaning system to remove salt deposits and other debris
• Implement a slight increase in panel tilt to promote natural cleaning by rainfall
• Consider supplementary energy sources for the less productive winter months

By addressing these factors and optimizing panel installation, Redruth residents can maximize their solar energy potential despite the seasonal variations and environmental challenges.

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 Redruth

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.2243, Longitude: -5.2586 (Redruth, 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 42° South in Redruth, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Redruth, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 50.2243, -5.2586) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 42° 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 Redruth, 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 Redruth, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 42° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
34° South in Summer	53° South in Autumn	64° South in Winter	42° 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 Redruth, 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 Redruth, United Kingdom.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Redruth, United Kingdom

The area around Redruth, located in Cornwall, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse and undulating landscape. Situated in the heart of the historic mining region, Redruth's topography reflects its industrial past while showcasing the natural beauty of the Cornish countryside.

The terrain in and around Redruth is generally hilly, with a mix of gentle slopes and steeper inclines. The town itself is nestled in a shallow valley, surrounded by higher ground. To the north and west, the land gradually rises towards the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, which is about 5 miles away. To the south and east, the landscape becomes more varied, with a patchwork of agricultural fields, wooded areas, and remnants of old mining operations.

One of the most prominent features in the area is Carn Brea, a hill that rises to about 230 meters (755 feet) above sea level, located just southwest of Redruth. This granite outcrop offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is topped with ancient monuments and a castle.

Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are several factors to consider. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics:

1. Relatively flat or gently sloping land to minimize installation costs and maximize sun exposure.
2. Open areas with minimal shading from trees, buildings, or geographical features.
3. Land that is not prime agricultural soil or of high ecological value.
4. Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for easier grid connection.

With these criteria in mind, some of the more suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Redruth might include:

• Former mining sites or brownfield areas that have been cleared and are not suitable for other developments.
• Large, open agricultural fields that are not used for high-value crops, particularly those with a southerly aspect.
• Industrial estates or business parks with large, flat rooftops that could accommodate solar panels.

However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would require careful planning, environmental assessments, and consultation with local authorities and communities. The unique landscape and heritage of Cornwall mean that visual impact and preservation of natural beauty are significant considerations in any such project.

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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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.