Wellesbourne, England, located in the United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.15kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.29kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in energy production. Autumn yields 2.24kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 1.08kWh/day.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing nearly five times more energy than winter. This disparity underscores the challenges of relying solely on solar power in Wellesbourne year-round.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Wellesbourne, England, fixed panels should be tilted at a 44-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impede solar production in Wellesbourne:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Wellesbourne experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel output.
3. Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in limited daylight hours during winter months.

To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, especially after rainy periods.
• Consider a hybrid system combining solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round.

While Wellesbourne's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, proper planning and installation can still yield significant benefits, 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 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 Wellesbourne

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.2146, Longitude: -1.5559 (Wellesbourne, 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 5.15kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.24kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.08kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.29kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 44° South in Wellesbourne, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wellesbourne, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.2146, -1.5559) 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.

At Latitude: 52.2146, Longitude: -1.5559, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 44° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Wellesbourne, 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 Wellesbourne, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 44° 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 Wellesbourne, 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 Wellesbourne, 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 Wellesbourne, United Kingdom

The area around Wellesbourne, located in Warwickshire, England, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the English Midlands. The landscape is predominantly rural, with a mix of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered settlements.

The topography of the region is generally low-lying, with subtle variations in elevation. The River Dene flows through Wellesbourne, creating a shallow valley that adds some contour to the otherwise relatively flat terrain. To the east and northeast of Wellesbourne, the land gradually rises towards the Edge Hill escarpment, which forms a more pronounced ridge several miles away.

The surrounding area consists mainly of open farmland, with a patchwork of fields separated by hedgerows and occasional tree lines. This agricultural landscape is interspersed with small villages and hamlets, connected by a network of country roads and lanes.

Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors should be considered:

1. The gently sloping fields to the south and southwest of Wellesbourne could be suitable for solar farms, as they receive good sun exposure throughout the day.
2. Areas of flat or slightly south-facing agricultural land between Wellesbourne and Stratford-upon-Avon might also be appropriate, provided they are not in flood-prone zones near the River Avon.
3. The more elevated ground to the east, towards the Edge Hill area, could offer favorable conditions for solar installations, as higher ground often experiences less atmospheric interference.

However, it's important to note that the suitability of any specific site for large-scale solar PV would require detailed assessment, taking into account factors such as local planning regulations, grid connection availability, environmental impact, and the current use of the land. The rural and scenic nature of the area may also pose challenges in terms of obtaining necessary permissions for large-scale solar developments.

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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