Stirling, located in central Scotland, presents a challenging environment for solar PV energy generation due to its northern latitude and climate. The city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which affects the overall efficiency of solar installations throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Stirling, with an average daily output of 4.86kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 3.94kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic decrease in solar energy production, with outputs of 1.47kWh/day and 0.71kWh/day respectively.

These figures highlight the substantial difference between summer and winter production, with summer generating nearly seven times more energy than winter. This variation is primarily due to Stirling's high latitude, resulting in longer daylight hours during summer and significantly shorter days in winter.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Stirling, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 47 degrees facing south. This angle is optimized to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the city's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Stirling:

1. Cloud cover: Stirling's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover, which can significantly reduce solar radiation reaching the panels.
2. Rainfall: The area experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can affect panel efficiency.
3. Short winter days: The limited daylight hours during winter months severely restrict solar energy production.

Preventative Measures

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

1. Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions.
2. Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, especially after rainy periods.
3. Consider installing a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, particularly during the limited winter daylight hours.
4. Combine solar PV with energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal variations in energy production.

While Stirling's location presents challenges for solar energy production, particularly during autumn and winter, implementing these strategies can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in the area. The significant energy output during spring and summer can partially offset the reduced production in other seasons, making solar a viable, albeit variable, renewable energy option for the region.

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 Stirling

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.1777, Longitude: -4.3848 (Stirling, 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:

Average 4.86kWh/day in Summer.

Average 1.47kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.71kWh/day in Winter.

Average 3.94kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 47° South in Stirling, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Stirling, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 56.1777, -4.3848) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 47° 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.

At Latitude: 56.1777, Longitude: -4.3848, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 47° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Stirling, 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 Stirling, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 47° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Stirling, 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 Stirling, 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 Stirling, United Kingdom

The topography around Stirling, United Kingdom, is quite varied and interesting. Stirling is situated in central Scotland, nestled between the lowlands and the highlands. The city itself sits on relatively flat land, but it's surrounded by more dramatic landscapes.

To the north and west of Stirling, you'll find the beginnings of the Scottish Highlands. This area is characterized by rolling hills that gradually become more rugged and steep as you move further north. The Trossachs National Park, a beautiful area of lochs (lakes) and forested hills, lies just to the northwest of Stirling.

To the south and east, the land is generally flatter, forming part of the Central Lowlands of Scotland. This area consists of gently undulating farmland and river valleys. The River Forth, which flows past Stirling, has created a wide, flat floodplain known as the Carse of Stirling.

One of the most prominent features in the landscape is Stirling Castle, which sits atop a large hill (actually an ancient volcano) that rises abruptly from the surrounding plain. This strategic location offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flatter areas to the south and east of Stirling would likely be the most appropriate. These areas offer several advantages:

1. They receive more direct sunlight throughout the day due to the lack of hills or mountains that could cast shadows.
2. The relatively flat terrain makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective.
3. These areas are often already used for agriculture, which means they may have existing road access and be easier to develop.

However, it's important to note that Scotland's latitude means it receives less intense sunlight than more southern regions, which could impact the efficiency of solar installations. Additionally, local weather patterns, including frequent cloud cover, might affect the viability of large-scale solar projects in this area. Any potential solar development would need to carefully consider these factors, as well as local planning regulations and environmental impact assessments.

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.

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