![How much solar could Bolton generate?](https://images.prismic.io/agenda-electrical/ZgQ08st2UUcvBOxz_SolarPanels.webp?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&w=800&h=333)
May 23, 2024
We wanted to estimate how much solar energy the roofs of Bolton could generate if everyone of them was installed with a Solar Energy System.
So we got a few details and started. The below is how we worked it all out and what the potential output of Bolton Solar Panel Co. would be.
- Population and Housing:
- As of the latest data, Bolton has a population of approximately 285,000 people.
- Using the UK average household size of 2.4 people, we get about 118,750 households in Bolton.
- Average Roof Space per Household:
- Assuming the same average roof space of 35 square meters per household:
- Total Residential Roof Space=
- 118,750 households × 35 square metres = 4,156,250 square metres
- Commercial and Industrial Buildings:
- Applying the same assumption that commercial and industrial buildings provide an additional 25% of the roof space:
- Total Non-Residential Roof Space= 0.25 × 4,156,250 square meters= 1,039
- Total Roof Space:
- Total Roof Space in Bolton =
- 4,156,250 square meters + 1,039,062.5 square meters = 5,195,312.5 square meters
Potential Electricity Generation
- Assuming 20% Efficiency:
- Total Usable Area = 5,195,312.5 square meters × 20% = 1,039,062.5 square meters
- Average Solar Irradiance in Bolton:
- Bolton has an average solar irradiance similar to the UK average, about 1,100 kWh/m²/year.
- Performance Ratio:
- Effective Energy Generated per square meter = 1,100 kWh/m2/year × 0.8 = 880 kWh/m2/year
- Total Energy Generation:
- Total Energy Generated = 1,039,062.5 square meters × 880 kWh/m2/year = 914,375,000 kWh/year
Conclusion
If all the estimated roof space in Bolton (approximately 5,195,312.5 square meters) were covered with solar panels operating at 20% efficiency and considering a performance ratio of 0.8, it could generate approximately 914 million kWh per year.
Pretty cool to think that a town the size of Bolton could produce so much green electricity if we utilised all the roof space available.
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![Alan Armstead](https://images.prismic.io/agenda-electrical/ZfleJQ4qyfNhFx19_abt-img2.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&w=60&h=60)
Alan Armstead
Alan has been working in Solar since 2010 and has vast experience installing, fixing and commissioning residential and commercial solar systems