Solar PV Analysis of Worksop, United Kingdom
Worksop, England, a town in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.09 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.27 kWh daily. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, producing only 2.08 kWh per day. Winter performance is particularly low, with a mere 0.96 kWh daily output.
These figures highlight that Worksop's solar potential is heavily concentrated in the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Worksop, England, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 45-degree angle facing south. This tilt helps optimize sunlight capture throughout the year, balancing between summer and winter sun angles.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Worksop:
- Cloud cover: The UK is known for its cloudy weather, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rainfall: Frequent rain can decrease panel efficiency, though it can also help clean the panels.
To mitigate these issues, consider using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help ensure optimal performance. Additionally, incorporating a battery storage system can help balance out the seasonal variations in energy production.
While Worksop may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, the strong performance during summer and spring makes it a viable option for supplementing energy needs, especially when combined with other renewable energy sources.
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 Worksop
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 53.3785, Longitude: -1.0684 (Worksop, 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 Worksop, United Kingdom
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Worksop, United Kingdom (Lat/Long 53.3785, -1.0684) 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 Worksop, 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 Worksop, 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 | 56° 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 Worksop, 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 Worksop, 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 Worksop, United Kingdom
The area around Worksop, United Kingdom, is characterized by gently rolling countryside typical of the East Midlands region. The town itself sits in a shallow valley, with the land gradually rising to the east and west. The surrounding landscape is a mix of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered settlements.
To the west of Worksop, the terrain becomes more undulating as it approaches the eastern edges of the Peak District National Park. This area features low hills and ridges, with some steeper slopes in places. To the east, the land is generally flatter, transitioning into the Lincolnshire countryside with its expansive agricultural plains.
The River Ryton flows through Worksop, creating a subtle valley feature in the local topography. Several small streams and tributaries also crisscross the surrounding area, contributing to the gentle undulations in the landscape.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas near Worksop would likely be found to the east and southeast of the town. These regions tend to have:
- Flatter terrain, which is ideal for solar panel arrays
- Fewer obstructions like hills or large forested areas that could cast shadows
- More extensive open spaces, often in the form of agricultural land
Specifically, the areas between Worksop and Retford, as well as the countryside stretching towards Gainsborough, could offer potential sites for solar farms. These locations benefit from relatively level ground and larger, uninterrupted expanses of land.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider factors beyond just topography, such as:
- Local planning regulations and land use designations
- Proximity to electrical grid infrastructure
- Environmental impact assessments
- Community acceptance and visual impact on the landscape
While the flatter areas to the east may be most suitable from a topographical perspective, the final selection of sites for solar PV installations would require detailed surveys and consultations with local authorities and stakeholders.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 29th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 30th of September 2024
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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.
