Solar PV Analysis of Telford, United Kingdom
Telford, a town in Shropshire, England, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Telford, with an average daily output of 5.27 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.42 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in production, with autumn yielding 2.14 kWh/day and winter plummeting to a mere 1.01 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the more favorable seasons. The period from late spring through early autumn offers the most ideal conditions for solar energy generation in Telford.
Optimal Panel Installation
To achieve the best year-round performance, solar panels in Telford should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the town's specific latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Telford's location is generally suitable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rainfall, can impact solar efficiency. To mitigate these effects, high-quality, weather-resistant panels should be used.
Additionally, the area's temperate climate means occasional snowfall in winter. Installing panels at the recommended 45-degree angle can help shed snow more easily, minimizing production losses during colder months.
Preventative Measures
To enhance solar production in Telford, consider these preventative measures:
- Use anti-reflective coatings on panels to improve light absorption in low-light conditions
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris, which can accumulate in the humid climate
- Install a monitoring system to quickly identify and address any performance issues
By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar energy can be a viable and effective renewable energy source in Telford, despite the seasonal variations and environmental challenges.
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 Telford
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.6631, Longitude: -2.4705 (Telford, 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 45° South in Telford, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Telford, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.6631, -2.4705) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Telford, 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 Telford, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36° South in Summer | 56° South in Autumn | 66° South in Winter | 45° 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 Telford, 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 Telford, 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 Telford, United Kingdom
The topography around Telford, United Kingdom, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and relatively flat areas. The town itself is situated in a shallow basin, surrounded by higher ground on several sides. To the west and southwest, the terrain gradually rises towards the Welsh border, with the Wrekin, a prominent hill standing at 407 meters (1,335 feet) above sea level, being a notable landmark in the area.
To the north and east of Telford, the landscape is generally flatter, with some low-lying areas and occasional small hills. This region is part of the Shropshire Plain, which extends further to the north. The River Severn flows to the east of Telford, creating a broad valley that influences the local topography.
South of Telford, the terrain becomes more varied, with a mixture of gentle slopes and small valleys. This area transitions into the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which features more dramatic elevations and scenic landscapes.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered:
- The flatter areas to the north and east of Telford would generally be more suitable for solar farms, as they offer larger, unobstructed spaces with minimal shading from hills or mountains.
- Agricultural land in the Shropshire Plain that is of lower quality or less productive could be potential sites for solar installations, provided they meet planning requirements and environmental considerations.
- South-facing slopes in the area, particularly those with a gentle incline, could be good locations for solar panels as they naturally maximize sun exposure throughout the day.
- Areas near existing electrical infrastructure, such as substations or power lines, would be advantageous for connecting large-scale solar projects to the grid.
It's important to note that while the topography around Telford offers some suitable areas for solar PV, any large-scale installation would need to balance energy production potential with environmental impact, local planning regulations, and community considerations. Additionally, the relatively northern latitude of Telford means that solar irradiance is lower compared to more southern regions, which could affect the overall efficiency and economic viability of large-scale solar projects in the area.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 5th of October 2024
Last Updated: Sunday 6th of October 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.
