Wittersham, a village in Kent, England, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.13 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.41 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.29 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest generation, with a mere 1.03 kWh/day.

These figures highlight that Wittersham's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The long summer days and higher sun angles contribute significantly to the overall annual production. Spring and early autumn also offer good generation potential, making the period from March to September the most favorable for solar energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Wittersham, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 43-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Wittersham's location is generally suitable for solar energy, there are some factors that could impact production:

• Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar output, especially during winter months.
• Rainfall: Frequent rain can lead to dirt accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels can help maximize output even during periods of lower sunlight.

In conclusion, while Wittersham's solar potential varies greatly throughout the year, proper panel placement and maintenance can still make solar energy a viable option for this Kent village.

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 756 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 Wittersham

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 51.0217, Longitude: 0.701 (Wittersham, 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 Wittersham, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wittersham, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 51.0217, 0.701) 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 Wittersham, 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 Wittersham, 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
35° 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 Wittersham, 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 Wittersham, 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 Wittersham, United Kingdom

The area around Wittersham, located in Kent, United Kingdom, is characterized by a gently undulating landscape typical of the High Weald region. This picturesque countryside features a mix of rolling hills, shallow valleys, and small streams that meander through the terrain. The topography is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 5 to 50 meters above sea level. Wittersham itself sits on a slight rise, offering views over the surrounding countryside. To the north and east, the land gradually slopes down towards the River Rother and the flat expanse of Romney Marsh. The southern and western areas maintain a more varied topography, with small hills and dips creating a patchwork of fields, woodlands, and hedgerows.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently sloping terrain in parts of the region could be advantageous for solar farms, as it allows for optimal panel positioning without extensive land modification. The areas to the north and east, where the land flattens out towards Romney Marsh, present the most promising locations for large-scale solar PV projects. These expanses of relatively level ground receive good sunlight exposure and have fewer obstructions from hills or dense woodlands. The open nature of the marsh also means there are larger contiguous areas of land potentially available for development. However, it's important to note that much of the surrounding landscape is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which may limit the feasibility of large-scale solar installations. Any proposed developments would need to carefully consider their environmental impact and navigate strict planning regulations. Areas just outside the AONB boundaries, particularly to the northeast towards Tenterden and Ashford, might offer a balance between suitable topography and fewer planning restrictions. These locations still benefit from the generally flat to gently rolling terrain while potentially facing fewer obstacles in terms of land use designations. In conclusion, while the immediate vicinity of Wittersham presents challenges for large-scale solar PV due to its scenic value and protected status, the broader region does offer potential sites. The key would be to identify areas that combine favorable topography with appropriate land classification and minimal impact on the cherished landscape of the High Weald.

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.