Solar Energy Potential in Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay, England, located in the United Kingdom at latitude 55.0758 and longitude -1.4597, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this coastal town experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output. The summer months offer the most promising conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 5.35kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.60kWh per day. These seasons provide ample opportunity for efficient solar energy harvesting, making them ideal times for maximizing solar power generation. However, the picture changes dramatically during autumn and winter. Autumn sees a substantial drop in production, with only 1.88kWh per day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 0.77kWh daily. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy reliance in Whitley Bay's climate.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Whitley Bay, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 46 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Whitley Bay: 1. Cloud cover: The UK's notoriously cloudy weather, particularly prevalent in autumn and winter, significantly reduces solar panel efficiency. 2. Coastal environment: Whitley Bay's proximity to the sea exposes solar installations to salt spray, which can corrode equipment over time. 3. Short winter days: The high latitude results in very short days during winter, severely limiting the available sunlight for energy production. To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-efficiency solar panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
• Install corrosion-resistant mounting systems and panels to combat salt air exposure
• Implement regular cleaning and maintenance routines to remove salt deposits and maximize panel efficiency
• Consider supplementing solar with other renewable energy sources for more consistent year-round power generation

While Whitley Bay's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize the potential of this clean energy source, particularly during the more favorable 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 Whitley Bay

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 55.0758, Longitude: -1.4597 (Whitley Bay, 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 46° South in Whitley Bay, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Whitley Bay, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 55.0758, -1.4597) 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.

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

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
38° South in Summer	58° South in Autumn	68° South in Winter	47° 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 Whitley Bay, 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 Whitley Bay, 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 Whitley Bay, United Kingdom

The topography around Whitley Bay, United Kingdom, is characterized by a mix of coastal and inland features. Whitley Bay itself is situated on the northeast coast of England, facing the North Sea. The immediate coastal area is relatively flat, with sandy beaches and low-lying cliffs. As you move inland from the coast, the terrain gradually rises, forming a series of gentle hills and undulating landscapes.

The area surrounding Whitley Bay is part of the larger North Tyneside region, which includes a combination of urban developments, suburban areas, and rural countryside. To the west and southwest, the land becomes more elevated, with rolling hills and small valleys. The nearby town of Seaton Delaval, for example, sits on slightly higher ground than Whitley Bay itself.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on the topography of the region, some potentially suitable areas for solar PV development might include:

• The agricultural lands to the west and southwest of Whitley Bay, where there are open fields with minimal shading from trees or buildings.
• Areas around Seaton Delaval and Holywell, which offer slightly elevated positions that could maximize sun exposure.
• The more rural areas to the north, near Seaton Sluice and Hartley, where there is a mix of farmland and open spaces.

However, it's important to note that the suitability of any specific site for solar PV would require detailed assessment, taking into account factors such as local planning regulations, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations. The relatively northern latitude of Whitley Bay also means that solar irradiance levels are lower compared to more southern regions, which could impact the overall efficiency and viability of large-scale solar projects in this area.

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.