Solar Energy Potential in Worcester, England, UK

Worcester, England, located in the United Kingdom at latitude 52.1894 and longitude -2.2451, offers moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city's position in the Northern Temperate Zone influences its solar energy production capabilities, with significant seasonal variations. Summer proves to be the most productive season for solar energy in Worcester, England, with an average daily output of 5.27 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high yield is due to longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies. Spring follows closely behind, generating an average of 4.42 kWh per day, making it the second-best season for solar energy production. Autumn sees a considerable drop in solar energy generation, with an average daily output of 2.14 kWh. Winter, as expected, is the least productive season, with only 1.01 kWh generated per day on average. These lower outputs are primarily due to shorter daylight hours, increased cloud cover, and the sun's lower position in the sky. For those considering installing solar panels in Worcester, England, it's important to note that the ideal tilt angle for fixed panel installations is 44 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes year-round energy production by optimizing the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the changing seasons.

Factors Affecting Solar Production

While Worcester's location is generally suitable for solar energy generation, there are some environmental and weather-related factors that could impact production: 1. Cloud cover: The UK is known for its frequent overcast conditions, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Rainfall: Worcester experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year, which can temporarily decrease solar panel output. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate on panels
• Use micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of shading on overall system performance

By taking these steps, solar panel owners in Worcester can maximize their energy production despite the challenging weather conditions.

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 763 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 Worcester

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 52.1894, Longitude: -2.2451 (Worcester, 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 Worcester, United Kingdom

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Worcester, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 52.1894, -2.2451) 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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
36° South in Summer	55° South in Autumn	65° South in Winter	44° 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, United Kingdom

The topography around Worcester, United Kingdom, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines gently rolling hills, river valleys, and expansive plains. The city itself is situated in the Severn Valley, with the River Severn flowing through its heart. To the east of Worcester, the terrain gradually rises into the Malvern Hills, a dramatic ridge of ancient volcanic rocks that forms a natural barrier between Worcestershire and Herefordshire. To the west and northwest of Worcester, the land is predominantly flat, consisting of fertile agricultural plains that stretch towards the Welsh border. This area, known as the Vale of Evesham, is renowned for its fruit and vegetable production. The southern part of the region features a mix of undulating countryside and small woodlands, creating a picturesque rural setting.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Worcester that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample open space, minimal shading, and relatively flat terrain to maximize sun exposure and ease of installation. The expansive agricultural plains to the west and northwest of Worcester present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas offer large, unobstructed spaces that receive consistent sunlight throughout the day. The flat terrain would simplify the installation process and reduce associated costs. Another potential area for solar PV projects lies in the gently sloping farmlands to the south of Worcester. While not as flat as the western plains, these areas still provide sufficient open space and favorable sun exposure. The slight inclination of the land could even be advantageous, as south-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere. It's important to note that while the Malvern Hills to the east offer elevated positions, they may not be ideal for large-scale solar installations due to their protected status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Additionally, the steeper terrain and potential for increased cloud cover at higher elevations could pose challenges for solar energy generation. When planning any large-scale solar PV projects in the Worcester area, careful consideration must be given to local planning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and the preservation of the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Collaboration with local authorities and landowners would be essential to identify the most suitable locations that balance energy production needs with environmental and community concerns.

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.