Harnessing Solar Power in Ireland, What effects Solar production at different times of the year?

As the longest day of the year approaches, we take a look at what affects the production of solar electricity. Ireland is not renowned for its sunshine, but that doesn’t mean that Ireland is not a promising avenue for generation of solar. We will explore what affects solar panels output, along with looking at the longest day of the year (21st June) and how this will affect the expected output.

The Summer Solstice

Marks the day with the most daylight hours in the northern hemisphere. In the month of June power generated by solar is expected to be the highest throughout the whole year. It is important however to bear in mind that solar production also depends on other factors, such as cloud cover and panel orientation.

Spring and Autumn

During these seasons Ireland still experiences high levels of sunlights hours however it does not offer the same length of daylight as the summer solstice they contribute significantly to Ireland’s solar production. Spring and autumn showcase the consistent and reliable nature of solar power in Ireland.

Winter

In Ireland the days are shorter which presents issues for solar electricity production. During this time panels will not be able to keep up with their generation during the summer solstice. Modern solar technologies are getting even better at capturing sunlight even on cloudy days.

Other Factors

Several other factors affect the production of solar, the latitude of Ireland is between 51.5°N and 55.5°N. This will affect the angle and intensity of the sun on the panels. Cloud cover also affects the impact of direct sunlight on the panels. Cloud cover which varies greatly day to day in Ireland also has a great impact on the amount of generation from panels. Panel orientation should be facing south to maximise the sunlight reaching the panels. Other factors can include shading from nearby structures/ vegetation and the overall efficiency of the solar panels

Future Prospects

While Ireland may not bask in year round sunshine, the country’s solar electricity production has remarkable potential for energy generation. As the longest day of the year approaches it is a reminder of the large power the sun produces and the opportunities to have a green future, by embracing solar panels. Installing solar panels can reduce your carbon footprint, protect the environment and pave the way for a sustainable future. With advancements in solar technologies coupled with favourable government policies and the SEAI Grant scheme the timing has never been better to upgrade your home with solar panels.

Swyft Energy will be able to provide a free estimate using there online calculator