Skelmersdale, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy output in Skelmersdale varies dramatically across seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.31kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 4.39kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial drop in energy production, with outputs of 1.94kWh/day and 0.90kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The ideal times for solar energy generation in Skelmersdale are during the spring and summer months, typically from April through September. During these periods, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. Conversely, the autumn and winter months, particularly from November to February, see significantly reduced solar output due to shorter days and lower sun angles.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed panel installations in Skelmersdale, England, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 45 degrees facing South. This angle helps to balance energy capture across seasons, compensating for the lower winter sun and taking advantage of the higher summer sun.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Skelmersdale:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Skelmersdale experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel performance.
3. Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in very short days during winter, limiting solar energy production.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to combat the effects of rainfall and potential debris
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during shorter winter days
• Explore the possibility of combining solar PV with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent year-round energy production

While Skelmersdale's location presents some challenges for solar PV energy generation, particularly during autumn and winter, proper planning and implementation can still yield significant benefits 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 Skelmersdale

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.5495, Longitude: -2.7659 (Skelmersdale, 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 Skelmersdale, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Skelmersdale, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.5495, -2.7659) 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 Skelmersdale, 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 Skelmersdale, 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 Skelmersdale, 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 Skelmersdale, 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 Skelmersdale, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Skelmersdale, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape typical of Lancashire. The town itself is situated on slightly elevated ground, with the terrain gradually descending towards the west and south. The topography of the region is a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas, creating a patchwork of agricultural fields, woodlands, and small settlements. To the north and east of Skelmersdale, the land rises gradually, forming a series of gentle hills and ridges. These elevated areas provide picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and are often dotted with farms and rural communities. The higher ground in this direction is part of the western edge of the Pennine foothills, which extend further eastward into Yorkshire.

Waterways and Valleys

The River Tawd flows through Skelmersdale, carving a shallow valley that runs roughly north to south. This waterway, along with its tributaries, has shaped the local landscape over time, creating areas of flatter land along its banks. To the west of the town, the terrain becomes more level as it approaches the coastal plain of West Lancashire, where the land is predominantly flat and used for agriculture.

Woodland and Green Spaces

Despite being a relatively urban area, Skelmersdale is surrounded by pockets of woodland and green spaces. These areas contribute to the varied topography, with some featuring slight elevations and others occupying lower-lying ground. The presence of these natural features adds to the overall undulating character of the landscape.

Potential for Large-scale 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 terrain to the south and west of Skelmersdale offers promising locations for solar farms. These areas benefit from a southerly aspect, which is ideal for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day. The flatter agricultural lands to the west, stretching towards Ormskirk and beyond, present another viable option for solar PV development. These expansive, open fields provide ample space for large installations and have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. However, it's important to note that while the topography in these areas may be suitable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects. Areas to the north and east of Skelmersdale, while potentially suitable, may be less ideal due to their slightly more elevated and varied terrain. The increased likelihood of shading from hills and the potential for less optimal panel orientation on steeper slopes could reduce the efficiency of solar installations in these locations. In conclusion, the diverse topography around Skelmersdale offers several possibilities for large-scale solar PV development, with the most promising areas likely being the gently sloping lands to the south and west, as well as the flatter agricultural areas stretching westward towards the coast.

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.