Solar PV Analysis of Semer, United Kingdom
Semer, England, United Kingdom, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. The location's potential for solar power varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the typical seasonal patterns of the region.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.04 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.38 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with 2.27 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing only 1.04 kWh/day.
This stark seasonal contrast highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in Semer. While the summer months offer excellent generation potential, the winter months may require significant supplementary energy sources or storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Semer, England, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to balance the varying solar elevations throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors could potentially impede solar production in Semer: 1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequently overcast skies, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Rainfall: Semer experiences regular rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel output. To mitigate these issues, consider installing high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Additionally, ensure proper drainage systems are in place to prevent water accumulation on panels, and implement a regular cleaning schedule to maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
While Semer's location is not ideal for year-round solar energy production, it still offers significant potential, particularly during spring and summer. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental challenges, residents can make the most of the available solar resources, potentially supplementing with other renewable energy sources during less productive 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 761 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 Semer
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.0557, Longitude: 0.9927 (Semer, 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 44° South in Semer, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Semer, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.0557, 0.9927) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 44° 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 Semer, 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 Semer, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35° South in Summer | 55° South in Autumn | 65° South in Winter | 44° 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 Semer, 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 Semer, 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 Semer, United Kingdom
The area around Semer, United Kingdom, located at latitude 52.0557 and longitude 0.9927, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the East Anglian region. This part of Suffolk features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas, creating a picturesque rural landscape.
The topography in this vicinity is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 30 to 70 meters above sea level. The land is primarily used for agriculture, with a patchwork of fields, meadows, and small woodlands dotting the landscape. The River Brett, a small tributary of the River Stour, flows near Semer, contributing to the area's gentle contours.
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the nearby areas, several factors should be taken into account. The most suitable sites would likely be found on gently sloping or flat terrain with a southerly aspect, maximizing exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Areas of lower agricultural value or brownfield sites would be preferable to preserve productive farmland.
Potential locations for solar farms might include:
- Former industrial sites or quarries in the wider region
- Larger, open fields with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Areas near existing electrical infrastructure to facilitate grid connection
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development would need to consider local planning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and community engagement. The relatively flat nature of much of the surrounding countryside could provide opportunities for solar installations, but care would need to be taken to balance energy production with the preservation of the area's rural character and agricultural heritage.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 10th of September 2024
Last Updated: Tuesday 10th of September 2024
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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.
