Saltash, a town in Cornwall, United Kingdom, presents a mixed opportunity for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Saltash, with an impressive daily output of 5.84kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.98kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn (2.26kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.10kWh/day).

This stark contrast between seasons suggests that while solar PV can be a valuable energy source in Saltash, it may not be consistently reliable year-round without supplementary power sources or energy storage solutions.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Saltash, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 42 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Saltash's coastal location in the southwest of England exposes it to some environmental factors that could impact solar production:

• Frequent cloud cover and rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter, can reduce solar efficiency.
• Salt spray from the nearby sea may accelerate corrosion of solar equipment if not properly protected.

To mitigate these issues, installers should consider using marine-grade materials and applying protective coatings to solar panels and mounting systems. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help combat the effects of salt buildup and ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

While Saltash's location is not ideal for year-round solar PV generation due to significant seasonal variations, it still offers good potential during spring and summer months. By implementing appropriate measures to address environmental challenges and optimizing panel placement, residents and businesses in Saltash can effectively harness solar energy as part of their overall energy strategy.

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 Saltash

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.4484, Longitude: -4.266 (Saltash, 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 Saltash, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Saltash, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 50.4484, -4.266) 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 Saltash, 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 Saltash, 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	54° 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 Saltash, 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 Saltash, 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 Saltash, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Saltash, located in Cornwall, United Kingdom, features a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the southwestern English countryside. The landscape is characterized by gently rolling hills, shallow valleys, and coastal plains that gradually slope towards the sea. Saltash itself is situated on the western bank of the River Tamar, which forms a natural boundary between Cornwall and Devon. The town is built on a hill that overlooks the river, providing residents and visitors with stunning views of the surrounding area. To the west and northwest of Saltash, the terrain becomes more undulating, with a series of low hills and shallow valleys creating a patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and small woodlands.

Coastal Influence

The proximity to the coast significantly influences the topography of the region. As you move south from Saltash, the land gradually flattens out towards the English Channel. This coastal plain is intersected by several small streams and rivers that flow into the sea, creating a network of estuaries and inlets.

Rural Landscape

The countryside around Saltash is predominantly rural, with a mix of agricultural land, pastures, and scattered settlements. Small villages and hamlets dot the landscape, connected by winding country roads that follow the natural contours of the land. This rural character is an essential part of the area's charm and appeal.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently sloping hills to the west and northwest of Saltash offer promising locations for solar farms. These areas benefit from good sun exposure and are less likely to be shaded by tall structures or dense vegetation. The coastal plains to the south of Saltash also present opportunities for solar PV development. These relatively flat areas receive ample sunlight and have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. However, it's important to note that the proximity to the coast means these locations may be more exposed to strong winds and salt spray, which could impact the longevity of solar equipment.

Considerations for Solar Development

While the topography around Saltash offers potential for solar PV installations, it's crucial to balance energy production with environmental and aesthetic concerns. The picturesque nature of the Cornish landscape is a significant asset to the region, attracting tourists and contributing to the local economy. Therefore, any large-scale solar developments would need to be carefully planned and integrated into the existing landscape to minimize visual impact and preserve the area's natural beauty. Additionally, agricultural land use and ecological considerations must be taken into account when identifying suitable sites for solar farms. Ideally, locations that are less productive for agriculture or have lower ecological value would be prioritized for solar development, ensuring a sustainable approach to renewable energy production in the region.

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.