Somerton, England, a town in the United Kingdom, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which significantly impact the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Somerton fluctuates considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.42 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.54 kWh/day. Autumn sees a substantial decrease to 2.31 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.05 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Somerton's location is reasonably favorable for solar energy production during the warmer months but faces challenges during the colder seasons. The substantial difference between summer and winter outputs highlights the need for careful planning and potentially supplementary energy sources during the less productive months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Somerton, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 43 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Somerton's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact system performance:

• Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
• Rainfall: Frequent rain in the region may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.

To mitigate these factors, consider implementing self-cleaning panel technologies or regular maintenance schedules. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions can help maximize energy production during overcast days.

In conclusion, while Somerton's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, it still offers significant potential, especially from spring through autumn. With proper panel installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a viable renewable energy option for this area.

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 Somerton

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.0592, Longitude: -2.6233 (Somerton, 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 43° South in Somerton, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Somerton, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.0592, -2.6233) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 43° 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 Somerton, 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 Somerton, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 43° 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	54° South in Autumn	64° South in Winter	43° 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 Somerton, 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 Somerton, 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 Somerton, United Kingdom

Somerton, located in Somerset, England, sits in a gently undulating landscape typical of the region. The town itself is positioned on a low hill, with the surrounding area characterized by rolling countryside, shallow valleys, and modest elevations. The terrain gradually slopes down towards the Somerset Levels to the north and west, a vast, flat expanse of wetlands and meadows. To the south and east of Somerton, the land becomes slightly more varied, with a series of low hills and shallow valleys creating a patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and small woodlands. This area is part of the wider Somerset countryside, known for its picturesque rural scenery and agricultural heritage.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas near Somerton for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently sloping terrain to the south and east of the town offers promising locations for solar farms. These areas benefit from a southerly aspect, which is ideal for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day. The gradual inclines also help to minimize shading between rows of solar panels, enhancing overall efficiency. The Somerset Levels to the north and west, while flat and expansive, may be less suitable for large-scale solar developments due to their ecological importance and potential flood risks. However, some carefully selected sites on slightly elevated ground within this area could be considered, provided they meet environmental and planning requirements. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar PV project would need to balance energy production goals with the preservation of the area's rural character and agricultural land. Sites that are less visible from major roads and settlements, and those that do not impinge on high-quality agricultural land, would likely be more favorable for development. Ultimately, detailed site-specific assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations for solar PV installations, taking into account factors such as grid connection availability, local planning policies, and environmental considerations. The relatively open nature of the landscape around Somerton does, however, present good potential for solar energy development, provided it is sensitively planned and executed.

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.