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

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.08kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29kWh/day. However, the colder months see a dramatic decline in production. Autumn yields 2.25kWh/day, while winter performance drops to a mere 1.03kWh/day.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing nearly five times the energy of winter. This disparity underscores the importance of maximizing production during the more favorable seasons to offset the winter shortfall.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Stratford's location is generally suitable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can reduce solar efficiency.
• Rainfall: Regular precipitation may lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy production even during periods of lower sunlight.

Conclusion

While Stratford's location presents challenges, particularly during winter months, it still offers viable opportunities for solar energy production. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental factors, residents can harness significant solar power, especially during the more productive spring and summer seasons.

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 763 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 Stratford

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.5329, Longitude: -0.005 (Stratford, 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 Stratford, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Stratford, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.5329, -0.005) 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 Stratford, 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 Stratford, 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	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 Stratford, 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 Stratford, 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 Stratford, United Kingdom

Stratford, located in East London, United Kingdom, is situated in a relatively flat area with minimal topographical variation. The landscape around Stratford is characterized by low-lying terrain, typical of the Thames River Valley. The area's elevation generally ranges from about 5 to 15 meters above sea level, with only slight undulations across the urban and suburban landscape. The surrounding region is predominantly urbanized, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. However, there are some open spaces and parks scattered throughout the area, such as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which was developed for the 2012 London Olympics. These green spaces provide some relief from the otherwise densely built environment. To the east of Stratford, the land gradually slopes towards the River Lea and its associated waterways, which form part of the Lee Valley. This area includes some marshlands and wetlands, though many have been drained and developed over the years. To the south, the terrain gently descends towards the River Thames, which is located a few kilometers away.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors need to be taken into account. These include available open space, minimal shading from buildings or trees, and proximity to existing infrastructure. One potential area for solar PV development could be the expansive rooftops of industrial and commercial buildings in the area. Stratford and its surrounding neighborhoods have numerous warehouses, shopping centers, and office buildings with large, flat roofs that could accommodate solar panels. Another possibility could be the repurposing of brownfield sites or former industrial areas. These locations often have large, open spaces and are already connected to the power grid, making them potentially suitable for solar farms. The Lee Valley, to the east of Stratford, might offer some opportunities for solar installations. While much of this area is protected for its ecological value, there may be some less sensitive zones that could be considered for solar development, provided it aligns with local planning and environmental regulations. It's important to note that large-scale solar PV installations in this densely populated urban area would face significant challenges. These include limited available land, potential conflicts with existing land uses, and the need to carefully consider the visual impact on the surrounding community. Any solar development would need to be planned in close consultation with local authorities and residents to ensure it aligns with the area's broader development goals and environmental considerations.

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.