Wakefield, England, located in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed bag when it comes to solar energy potential. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Wakefield, England, with an average daily output of 5.09 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.27 kWh per day. However, the autumn and winter months see a dramatic decrease in solar energy production, with outputs of 2.08 kWh and 0.96 kWh per day, respectively.

These figures highlight the substantial difference between the peak and trough seasons. Summer produces more than five times the energy of winter, emphasizing the importance of maximizing production during the longer, sunnier days.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Wakefield, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 46 degrees facing south. This angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Wakefield:

1. Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent overcast conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
2. Rainfall: Wakefield's climate includes regular rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
3. Air pollution: As an urban area, air pollution can accumulate on panels, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and optimize solar energy production in Wakefield, England, consider the following measures:

• Install high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt and pollutants from panel surfaces
• Use micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Consider a dual-axis tracking system for maximum solar exposure, if feasible

While Wakefield may not be an ideal location for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable option for supplementing energy needs, particularly during the spring and summer months.

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 Wakefield

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.7095, Longitude: -1.4993 (Wakefield, 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:

Average 5.09kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.08kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 0.96kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.27kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 46° South in Wakefield, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wakefield, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.7095, -1.4993) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 46° 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.

At Latitude: 53.7095, Longitude: -1.4993, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 46° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 46° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, United Kingdom

The topography around Wakefield, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Yorkshire countryside. The city itself sits in a shallow basin, with the land gradually rising to the west and east. To the west, you'll find the foothills of the Pennine mountain range, which creates a more rugged and elevated landscape. To the east, the terrain becomes flatter as it transitions into the Vale of York.

The River Calder runs through Wakefield, carving a shallow valley and creating some local variations in elevation. The surrounding area features a mix of agricultural land, wooded areas, and small settlements scattered across the undulating terrain. The highest points in the vicinity are generally to the west and southwest of the city, where the land begins to rise more dramatically towards the Pennines.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, you'd want relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on the topography around Wakefield, the following areas might be more suitable:

1. The flatter areas to the east and southeast of Wakefield, as they transition into the Vale of York, could offer good potential. These areas typically have fewer obstructions and more open spaces.
2. Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the south and southwest of the city might also be suitable, as long as they have a southerly aspect to maximize sun exposure.
3. Former industrial or brownfield sites in the wider Wakefield area could be repurposed for solar installations, as they often provide large, open spaces with minimal environmental impact.

It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor, other considerations such as land availability, grid connection possibilities, and local planning regulations would also play significant roles in determining the best locations for large-scale solar PV projects near Wakefield.

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.

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