Wilmington, England, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 51.4141 and longitude 0.2013, offers a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location fluctuates significantly across the seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.41 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable decrease in production, with 2.29 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.03 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Wilmington's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to increased energy production. However, the substantial drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Wilmington, England, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 44 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Wilmington's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can reduce solar panel efficiency. Installing high-efficiency panels that perform well in diffuse light conditions can help mitigate this issue.
2. Rainfall: Frequent rain in the region can lead to dirt accumulation on panels. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help maintain optimal performance.

To maximize solar production in Wilmington, England, consider using tracking systems to follow the sun's path, although the added cost should be weighed against potential gains. Additionally, ensuring panels are not shaded by nearby structures or vegetation is crucial for maintaining efficiency throughout the year.

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 Wilmington

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.4141, Longitude: 0.2013 (Wilmington, 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 44° South in Wilmington, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wilmington, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.4141, 0.2013) 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.

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

The topography around Wilmington, United Kingdom, located at coordinates 51.4141, 0.2013, is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the North Downs, a ridge of chalk hills that extends from Farnham in Surrey to the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. The landscape is a mix of rural countryside and suburban development, with scattered woodlands and agricultural fields. Wilmington itself sits on a slight elevation, with the ground sloping gently downwards towards the River Darent to the west. The surrounding area features a patchwork of fields, small valleys, and low hills, creating a picturesque and varied landscape. To the east, the land gradually rises towards the higher parts of the North Downs, while to the south and west, it becomes flatter as it approaches the Thames Estuary.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations near Wilmington, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those with relatively flat terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from trees or buildings. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Wilmington could be potential candidates for solar PV development: The agricultural fields to the south and southeast of Wilmington offer promising locations for solar farms. These areas tend to be flatter and more open, with fewer obstructions to block sunlight. The gently sloping fields provide natural drainage and can be oriented to maximize sun exposure throughout the day. Another potential area lies to the west of Wilmington, in the vicinity of Darenth and Sutton-at-Hone. This region features expansive farmland with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for large-scale solar installations. The proximity to existing infrastructure and power lines could also be advantageous for connecting new solar farms to the grid. It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable for solar PV, any development would need to consider other factors such as local planning regulations, environmental impact, and the agricultural value of the land. Additionally, the visual impact on the landscape and nearby communities would need to be carefully assessed before proceeding with any large-scale solar projects in this scenic part of Kent.

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.