Thame, England, a town in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, presents a moderate opportunity for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.08 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.29 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn (2.25 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.03 kWh/day).

The most favorable period for solar energy generation in Thame spans from late spring through early autumn, typically from May to September. During these months, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Thame, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 44 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun path variations.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar production in Thame:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Thame experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can temporarily decrease panel output.
3. Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in notably shorter days during winter, limiting solar energy generation.

Preventative Measures

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

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, especially after rainy periods.
• Consider adding a solar tracking system to maximize exposure to available sunlight, particularly during shorter winter days.
• Ensure proper spacing between panels to minimize shading and allow for air circulation, reducing the impact of cloud cover and improving overall efficiency.

While Thame may not offer ideal year-round conditions for solar PV generation, implementing these strategies can help maximize energy production and make solar a viable renewable energy option for the area.

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 Thame

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.7408, Longitude: -0.9425 (Thame, 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 Thame, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Thame, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.7408, -0.9425) 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 Thame, 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 Thame, 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 Thame, 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 Thame, 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 Thame, United Kingdom

The area surrounding Thame, United Kingdom, located at latitude 51.7408 and longitude -0.9425, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the Chiltern Hills region. The landscape consists of a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas, creating a picturesque rural setting. The town of Thame itself sits in a shallow vale, with the land gradually rising to the east and south. To the north and west, the terrain is generally flatter, consisting of agricultural fields and meadows. The River Thame, a tributary of the River Thames, flows through the area, adding to the diverse topography.

Surrounding Landscape

As you move away from Thame, the terrain becomes more varied. To the southeast, the Chiltern Hills become more prominent, with steeper slopes and deeper valleys. These hills, while not particularly high, provide a scenic backdrop to the area and contribute to its rural charm. The region around Thame is primarily agricultural, with a patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and small woodlands dotting the landscape. This mix of open spaces and gentle undulations creates a diverse topographical profile that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically important.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat or gently sloping areas to the north and west of Thame present the most promising locations for solar development. These areas benefit from: 1. Open, unobstructed spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. 2. Minimal shading from hills or large forested areas. 3. Easy access for construction and maintenance due to the gentler terrain. The agricultural land in these directions could potentially accommodate large solar arrays without significant alterations to the landscape. However, it's important to note that any solar development would need to balance energy production with preserving the area's agricultural heritage and natural beauty. Areas to the southeast, while scenic, may be less suitable for large-scale solar installations due to the more pronounced hills and valleys. These features could create shading issues and make construction more challenging and costly. It's crucial to emphasize that any potential solar PV development in the area would require careful planning and consultation with local authorities, residents, and environmental groups to ensure it aligns with conservation efforts and community needs. The unique character of the Chiltern Hills and the surrounding countryside is an important consideration in any large-scale development plans.

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.