Solar PV Analysis of Withernsea, United Kingdom
Withernsea, England, a coastal town in the East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this seaside location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Withernsea, England, with an impressive daily output of 5.39kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.53kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with only 2.09kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 0.91kWh/day in winter.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warmer and colder months, with summer producing nearly six times more energy than winter. This disparity underscores the challenges of relying solely on solar power year-round in Withernsea.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Withernsea, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the town's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Withernsea:
- Coastal fog and sea mist: Being a seaside town, Withernsea is prone to fog and mist, especially in the mornings, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can significantly impact solar energy generation.
- Salt spray: Proximity to the sea means solar panels may be exposed to salt spray, potentially causing corrosion over time.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and ensure greater energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar panels in Withernsea:
- Use corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings to guard against salt spray damage.
- Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove salt deposits and other debris from panel surfaces.
- Consider installing slightly over-sized systems to compensate for reduced output during cloudy periods.
- Explore the use of bifacial solar panels, which can capture reflected light from both sides, potentially increasing energy yield in diffuse light conditions common in coastal areas.
While Withernsea's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, proper installation techniques and preventative measures can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this 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 Withernsea
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.7001, Longitude: 0.0401 (Withernsea, 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 45° South in Withernsea, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Withernsea, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.7001, 0.0401) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Withernsea, 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 Withernsea, United Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37° South in Summer | 57° South in Autumn | 67° South in Winter | 45° 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 Withernsea, 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 Withernsea, 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 Withernsea, United Kingdom
Withernsea is a small coastal town located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The topography around Withernsea is characterized by its low-lying, relatively flat landscape. This area is part of the Holderness plain, which is known for its gently rolling terrain and expansive agricultural fields.
The immediate coastline near Withernsea features sandy beaches and eroding clay cliffs. As you move inland, the landscape transitions into a predominantly rural setting with open farmland, scattered villages, and occasional small woodlands. The terrain is generally level, with only slight undulations across the countryside.
The Holderness area, including Withernsea and its surroundings, sits at a low elevation above sea level, typically ranging from just a few meters to around 20-30 meters at its highest points. This flat topography is a result of glacial deposits left behind after the last ice age, creating a fertile plain that has been extensively cultivated for agriculture.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat and open nature of the Holderness plain provides several potential opportunities. The agricultural land surrounding Withernsea could be suitable for solar farms, as it offers large, unobstructed spaces with good exposure to sunlight.
Ideal locations for solar PV installations would be on gently south-facing slopes, away from any significant shadows cast by trees or buildings. Areas slightly inland from the coast might be preferable to avoid the increased salt spray and potential erosion issues associated with the immediate shoreline.
However, it's important to note that the region's agricultural importance and potential impact on the rural landscape would need to be carefully considered when planning any large-scale solar projects. Additionally, the area's relatively northern latitude means that solar irradiance levels are lower compared to more southern regions, which could affect the overall efficiency and economic viability of solar PV installations.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 19th of July 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.
