Solar PV Analysis of Weymouth, United Kingdom
Weymouth, England, a coastal town in Dorset, United Kingdom, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this seaside resort experiences varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Weymouth, England, with an average daily output of 5.84 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.93 kWh/day. However, the town experiences a significant drop in solar productivity during autumn and winter, with outputs of 2.51 kWh/day and 1.12 kWh/day, respectively.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of Weymouth's latitude on solar energy potential. Long summer days and higher sun angles contribute to peak performance from late spring through early autumn, making this the ideal time for solar energy generation in the area.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Weymouth, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 43 degrees facing south. This angle is optimized to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the town's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Weymouth's coastal location presents some challenges for solar energy production. The town is prone to sea fog, especially during spring and early summer, which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency. Additionally, salt spray from the sea can accumulate on panels, potentially decreasing their performance over time.
To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels are essential. Installing panels at a slightly steeper angle than the optimal 43 degrees can help with natural cleaning from rainfall. Using high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials for mounting systems and ensuring proper sealing of electrical components can also protect against salt-related damage.
Despite these challenges, Weymouth's generally mild climate and lack of extreme weather events make it a suitable location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and maintenance, solar energy can be a viable and sustainable power source for this charming coastal town.
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 Weymouth
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 50.6145, Longitude: -2.4435 (Weymouth, 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 Weymouth, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Weymouth, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 50.6145, -2.4435) 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 Weymouth, 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 Weymouth, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34° South in Summer | 54° South in Autumn | 64° 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 Weymouth, 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 Weymouth, 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 Weymouth, United Kingdom
The topography around Weymouth, located on the southern coast of England, is quite diverse and picturesque. The town itself sits on relatively flat land at sea level, nestled in a natural harbor protected by the Isle of Portland to the south. As you move away from the coast, the landscape becomes more varied and hilly.
To the north and east of Weymouth, the land gradually rises into the rolling hills of the Dorset Downs. These chalk hills are part of a larger geological formation known as the Southern England Chalk Formation. The terrain here is characterized by gentle slopes, grassy meadows, and occasional wooded areas.
To the west, you'll find the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This coastline features rugged limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and unique rock formations like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. The land here is more undulating and steep compared to the areas north and east of Weymouth.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the gently sloping farmlands to the north and northeast of Weymouth. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- They have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, which is ideal for installing large arrays of solar panels.
- The land is often already cleared for agriculture, minimizing the need for extensive site preparation.
- These areas are typically away from the coast, reducing exposure to salt spray which can damage solar equipment.
- The higher elevation compared to the coastal areas may provide better exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to consider various factors beyond just topography, including local planning regulations, grid connection possibilities, and environmental impact assessments. The areas around Weymouth are known for their natural beauty, so any development would need to be sensitive to the local landscape and ecosystem.
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 10th of August 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.
