Solar PV Analysis of Sudbury, United Kingdom
Sudbury, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar output at Sudbury varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.04 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.38 kWh per day. However, the output drops significantly during autumn, producing only 2.27 kWh per day. Winter sees the lowest production, with a mere 1.04 kWh per day.
These figures highlight that Sudbury's location is most ideal for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Sudbury, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Sudbury:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Sudbury experiences rainfall throughout the year, which can temporarily decrease solar output.
To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in diffuse light conditions.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate on panels.
- Install a solar tracking system to maximize energy capture, especially during periods of limited sunlight.
While Sudbury's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers significant potential during the warmer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a valuable contribution to the area's renewable energy mix.
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 Sudbury
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.1075, Longitude: 0.6956 (Sudbury, 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 Sudbury, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sudbury, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.1075, 0.6956) 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 Sudbury, 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 Sudbury, 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 Sudbury, 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 Sudbury, 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 Sudbury, United Kingdom
The area around Sudbury, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the East Anglian region. The town itself is situated in a shallow valley along the River Stour, which meanders through the landscape. The surrounding terrain is predominantly composed of low hills and shallow valleys, creating a picturesque rural setting.
The topography in this part of Suffolk is relatively flat compared to other regions of the UK, with elevations generally ranging from about 30 to 80 meters above sea level. This gentle landscape is dotted with small woodlands, hedgerows, and agricultural fields, giving it a patchwork appearance when viewed from higher vantage points.
To the north and east of Sudbury, the land gradually rises towards the Suffolk claylands, while to the south and west, it transitions into the chalk hills of the Chilterns. The River Stour valley, which runs through Sudbury, provides a natural low point in the local topography, with the land gently sloping upwards on either side of the river.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered. The relatively flat terrain in much of the surrounding area could be advantageous for solar farms, as it reduces the need for extensive land preparation. However, the specific suitability would depend on factors such as:
- South-facing slopes, which receive more direct sunlight throughout the day
- Areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Land that is not prime agricultural soil or ecologically sensitive
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for grid connection
Given these considerations, some of the more open, gently sloping fields to the south and east of Sudbury might be suitable candidates for solar PV installations. These areas often have good sun exposure and are less likely to be shadowed by hills or large forested areas. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would require careful planning and assessment to balance energy production with environmental and agricultural concerns, as well as local community interests.
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: Saturday 7th of September 2024
Last Updated: Saturday 7th 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.
