Taunton, England, a town in Somerset, United Kingdom, presents a moderate opportunity for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 51.0075, -3.1015, Taunton experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy potential in Taunton fluctuates considerably across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.36 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.48 kWh per day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial decrease in energy production, with 2.25 kWh and 1.01 kWh per day, respectively.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable months for solar energy production in Taunton are from late spring through early autumn. This period, roughly from May to September, offers longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies, maximizing the potential for solar PV systems. Conversely, the winter months from November to February present challenges due to shorter days and increased cloud cover.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed panel installations in Taunton, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 43 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the town's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Taunton:

1. Cloud cover: The UK's climate is known for frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar output, especially in autumn and winter.
2. Rainfall: Taunton experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
3. Air pollution: While not as severe as in larger cities, air pollution can still affect solar panel performance.

Preventative Measures

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

• Use high-efficiency panels designed for diffuse light conditions
• Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove dirt and debris
• Install micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Consider a tracking system for larger installations to maximize sun exposure

While Taunton may not offer ideal year-round conditions for solar energy production, proper planning and equipment selection can still yield significant benefits, particularly during the more favorable months of the year.

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 754 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 Taunton

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.0075, Longitude: -3.1015 (Taunton, 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 Taunton, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Taunton, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.0075, -3.1015) 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton, United Kingdom

Taunton, located in Somerset, England, is situated in a diverse landscape characterized by a mix of rolling hills, river valleys, and flat lowlands. The town itself lies in the Vale of Taunton Deane, a broad, flat valley through which the River Tone flows. This vale is surrounded by gently undulating terrain, creating a picturesque setting for the historic county town. To the north and northeast of Taunton, the land gradually rises towards the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These hills, with their steep slopes and wooded combes, provide a striking backdrop to the town. To the south and southeast, the landscape transitions into the Blackdown Hills, another protected area known for its steep ridges and deep valleys.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Taunton for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be relatively flat, south-facing areas with minimal shading and good access to the electrical grid. The Vale of Taunton Deane, particularly the areas to the east and west of the town, offers potential for solar PV development. These areas feature expanses of agricultural land with gentle slopes, which could accommodate large solar arrays without significant earthworks. The flat nature of the vale also means there is less likelihood of overshadowing from nearby hills or structures. Some of the more gently sloping hillsides to the south of Taunton, leading towards the Blackdown Hills, might also be suitable for solar installations. These areas often receive good sunlight exposure due to their southerly aspect. However, care would need to be taken to balance energy production with the preservation of the area's natural beauty. It's important to note that while the topography around Taunton offers potential for solar PV development, any large-scale installations would need to be carefully planned to minimize impact on the local environment and landscape. Factors such as proximity to residential areas, visual impact, and ecological considerations would all need to be taken into account when selecting specific sites for development.

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.