Solar PV Analysis of Tidworth, United Kingdom
The location at Tidworth in the United Kingdom has varying potential for generating energy via solar PV throughout the year. During summer, it can produce a significant amount of energy with an average of 5.13kWh per day per kW of installed solar. This production decreases in autumn to 2.31kWh/day and drops further in winter to just 1.07kWh/day due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity during these seasons. It then increases again in spring, producing about 4.36kWh/day.
To maximise total year-round production from solar PV, the ideal angle for fixed panel installation at this location is a tilt towards 43 degrees South - this helps capture more sunlight as it moves across the sky throughout the year.
However, there are local factors that could impact solar production at this location such as weather conditions and topography. The UK is known for its cloudy weather which can reduce sunlight exposure on panels, thereby decreasing their efficiency.
In terms of topography, Tidworth is relatively flat but if there are any nearby hills or tall buildings that cast shadows on panels during peak sun hours they could also affect output.
To mitigate these issues when installing solar panels:
1) Choose high-efficiency modules that perform well under low light conditions.
2) Install additional capacity to compensate for less productive months.
3) If possible, position your array where it will not be shaded by nearby structures or terrain.
4) Regular maintenance including cleaning of panels can help ensure greater energy production as dirt and debris can block sunlight too.
So overall while Tidworth may not have optimal conditions all-year round like some places closer to the equator; with careful planning and consideration to local factors - you can still successfully generate a substantial amount of power using Solar PV technology here especially during Spring & Summer months when daylight hours are longer & sun intensity is higher compared other times of year like Autumn & Winter.
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 911 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 Tidworth
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.1896, Longitude: -1.5385 (Tidworth, 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 Tidworth, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tidworth, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.1896, -1.5385) 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 Tidworth, 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 Tidworth, 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 | 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 Tidworth, 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 Tidworth, 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 Tidworth, United Kingdom
Tidworth is located in the county of Wiltshire, England. The topography of this region is largely characterized by rolling hills and open plains, with some areas of woodland. It's part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The area around Tidworth is relatively flat compared to other parts of the UK, which could potentially make it suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. However, specific suitability would depend on a number of factors including local planning regulations and environmental considerations.
Large-scale solar farms require a significant amount of open land that isn't shaded by trees or buildings. Therefore, open farmland or unused industrial land could be potential sites for such installations.
Areas like Salisbury Plain to the west might be suitable due to its wide expanse and openness but it's also a military training area so any development would likely face restrictions.
To determine the most suited areas nearby for largescale solar PV installation, a detailed feasibility study would need to be conducted considering various factors such as sunlight exposure (solar irradiance), land availability and use, proximity to power grids for energy transmission etc.
Please note that while an area may have good physical characteristics for solar power generation like high levels of sunlight exposure and large tracts of available land, other factors like local laws/regulations regarding renewable energy projects or public sentiment towards such projects can also greatly impact where these systems can be installed.
Lastly but importantly: even though UK has less average annual sunshine hours compared to countries near equator line - thanks to technological advancements - it doesn’t necessarily mean that solar panels wouldn’t work effectively there. In fact there are many successful solar power projects across United Kingdom proving its viability as an important source in country's renewable energy mix.
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: Tuesday 30th of January 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
