Windsor, England, United Kingdom, situated at latitude 51.49 and longitude -0.6557, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which significantly impact the effectiveness of solar PV systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Windsor follows a predictable pattern aligned with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.13 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.36 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 2.31 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.07 kWh/day.

This seasonal variation highlights the importance of considering year-round performance when planning solar installations in Windsor. While summer and spring offer excellent generation potential, the significant drop in autumn and winter output means that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during these months.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Windsor, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 44 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors can impact solar production in Windsor:

1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can reduce solar efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Windsor experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, which can temporarily decrease panel output.

To mitigate these factors, consider installing high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Additionally, implementing a robust cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal panel performance by removing any dirt or debris that may accumulate due to rainfall or air pollution.

Conclusion

While Windsor's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, particularly during autumn and winter, it still offers a viable opportunity for renewable energy generation. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental factors, residents and businesses in Windsor can effectively harness solar power, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

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 Windsor

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.49, Longitude: -0.6557 (Windsor, 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 Windsor, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Windsor, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.49, -0.6557) 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, 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	55° 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, United Kingdom

Windsor, located in the southeastern part of England, is characterized by a gently undulating landscape typical of the Thames Valley region. The area around Windsor is predominantly low-lying, with subtle variations in elevation that create a picturesque mix of rolling hills, shallow valleys, and flat expanses. The River Thames plays a significant role in shaping the local topography. As it meanders through Windsor, the river has carved a wide, flat floodplain, which is flanked by gentle slopes rising away from the water's edge. This creates a series of terraces and low ridges that provide subtle changes in elevation throughout the area. To the north and east of Windsor, the land gradually rises towards the Chiltern Hills, an area of chalk downland that forms a natural boundary between the Thames Valley and the regions beyond. These hills, while not particularly high, provide a noticeable contrast to the flatter areas closer to the river.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Windsor that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with good exposure to sunlight and minimal shading from trees or buildings. The agricultural lands to the south and west of Windsor offer promising potential for solar development. These areas typically feature expansive fields with few obstructions, providing ample space and sunlight exposure for solar panels. The gently rolling nature of the terrain in these directions would not significantly impede solar installation or efficiency. Another potential area for solar development lies to the east of Windsor, in the direction of Slough and Datchet. This region features a mix of open fields and industrial areas that could be repurposed or expanded to accommodate large-scale solar installations. It's important to note that while the topography around Windsor is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as land ownership, planning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the area. Additionally, the proximity to urban areas and existing electrical infrastructure could influence the selection of suitable sites for solar development.

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.