Renfrew, Scotland, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.10 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.22 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 1.68 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest generation, with a mere 0.81 kWh/day.

These figures highlight that Renfrew's solar potential is heavily concentrated in the spring and summer months, from approximately April to September. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Renfrew, Scotland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 47-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Renfrew:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: Renfrew receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel efficiency if not properly managed.
3. Short winter days: The location's northerly latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting solar generation potential.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular maintenance to combat the effects of rainfall and potential debris.
• Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, to compensate for the low winter solar output.
• Implement energy storage solutions to maximize the use of energy generated during peak production periods.

While Renfrew's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable component of the local energy mix, particularly during the more productive spring and summer months.

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 Renfrew

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.872, Longitude: -4.3925 (Renfrew, 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:

Average 5.10kWh/day in Summer.

Average 1.68kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.81kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.22kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 47° South in Renfrew, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Renfrew, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.872, -4.3925) 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.

At Latitude: 55.872, Longitude: -4.3925, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 47° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Renfrew, 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 Renfrew, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Renfrew, 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 Renfrew, 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 Renfrew, United Kingdom

The area around Renfrew, United Kingdom, is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain. Renfrew itself is situated on the southern bank of the River Clyde, which is a major geographical feature of the region. The land in and around Renfrew is predominantly low-lying, with elevations typically ranging from just a few meters above sea level near the river to about 50-60 meters in the surrounding areas.

To the south and east of Renfrew, the landscape gradually rises into a series of low hills and plateaus. These areas are part of the larger Central Lowlands region of Scotland, which is known for its mix of urban development, agricultural land, and scattered woodlands. The terrain becomes slightly more undulating as you move away from the river, but it remains relatively gentle compared to the more mountainous regions found further north in Scotland.

Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider:

1. The best locations for solar PV would be open, south-facing areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings. The gently sloping terrain to the south and southeast of Renfrew could potentially offer suitable sites.

2. Agricultural land in the surrounding countryside might be appropriate, particularly fields that are less productive or fallow. However, this would need to be balanced against the need to preserve farmland.

3. Former industrial sites or brownfield areas in the wider Glasgow metropolitan area could be repurposed for solar installations, taking advantage of already developed land.

4. It's important to note that while the topography around Renfrew is generally favorable for solar PV, the climate in this part of Scotland presents challenges. The region experiences relatively high rainfall and a significant number of overcast days, which can reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Therefore, any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider these factors and potentially use high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions.

Ultimately, the selection of sites for large-scale solar PV would require detailed feasibility studies, taking into account not just topography, but also local planning regulations, grid connection possibilities, and environmental impact assessments.

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.

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