Rochdale, England, a town in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Rochdale, England, with an average daily output of 5.31kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.39kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn (1.94kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (0.90kWh/day).

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing nearly six times more energy than winter. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer contribute significantly to this increased productivity.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Rochdale, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 45 degrees facing south. This angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, particularly beneficial during the less productive autumn and winter months.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Rochdale:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Rochdale has a relatively high annual rainfall, which can affect panel performance and require more frequent cleaning.
3. Short winter days: The limited daylight hours during winter months contribute to the low energy output in this season.

Mitigation Strategies

To optimize solar energy production in Rochdale, England, consider the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to combat the effects of rainfall and pollution
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during winter
• Explore battery storage options to utilize excess summer production during less productive periods

While Rochdale's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option, 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 Rochdale

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.5815, Longitude: -2.1778 (Rochdale, 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 45° South in Rochdale, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rochdale, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.5815, -2.1778) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Rochdale, 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 Rochdale, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
37° South in Summer	56° South in Autumn	67° South in Winter	45° 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 Rochdale, 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 Rochdale, 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 Rochdale, United Kingdom

Rochdale, located in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, is situated in an area with diverse topography. The town itself is nestled in a valley, surrounded by the Pennine Hills to the north and east. These hills, part of the larger Pennine range, create a picturesque backdrop and contribute to the region's varied landscape. To the west and south of Rochdale, the terrain gradually flattens out towards the Manchester Plain. This transition from hilly to flatter land creates a mix of elevations and slopes throughout the area. The River Roch, from which the town derives its name, flows through the center of Rochdale, carving a path through the valley and influencing the local topography. The surrounding countryside features a patchwork of rolling hills, moorlands, and pastoral fields. These undulating landscapes are interspersed with small villages, farmlands, and pockets of woodland, creating a charming rural setting typical of northern England.

Potential Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Rochdale for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open spaces with good exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from hills or buildings. The areas to the west and southwest of Rochdale, where the land begins to flatten out towards the Manchester Plain, could potentially be suitable for solar PV installations. These areas may offer larger, open fields with fewer obstructions to sunlight. Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the south and southeast of Rochdale might also be considered, particularly if they have a southerly aspect. South-facing slopes can be advantageous for solar panels as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, it's important to note that the region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, may impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. Additionally, any potential sites would need to be carefully evaluated for their environmental impact, proximity to power infrastructure, and compliance with local planning regulations. The moorlands to the north and east, while expansive, may be less suitable due to their higher elevations, potential for shadowing, and environmental sensitivities. These areas are often protected for their natural beauty and ecological importance. Ultimately, detailed site surveys and environmental assessments would be necessary to identify the most appropriate locations for large-scale solar PV projects in the vicinity of Rochdale, balancing energy production potential with environmental and community considerations.

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.