How much solar could Bolton generate?

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.

1. Population and Housing:
2. As of the latest data, Bolton has a population of approximately 285,000 people.
3. Using the UK average household size of 2.4 people, we get about 118,750 households in Bolton.
4. Average Roof Space per Household:
5. Assuming the same average roof space of 35 square meters per household:
6. Total Residential Roof Space=
7. 118,750 households × 35 square metres = 4,156,250 square metres
8. Commercial and Industrial Buildings:
9. Applying the same assumption that commercial and industrial buildings provide an additional 25% of the roof space:
10. Total Non-Residential Roof Space= 0.25 × 4,156,250 square meters= 1,039
11. Total Roof Space:
12. Total Roof Space in Bolton =
13. 4,156,250 square meters + 1,039,062.5 square meters = 5,195,312.5 square meters

Potential Electricity Generation

1. Assuming 20% Efficiency:
2. Total Usable Area = 5,195,312.5 square meters × 20% = 1,039,062.5 square meters
3. Average Solar Irradiance in Bolton:
4. Bolton has an average solar irradiance similar to the UK average, about 1,100 kWh/m²/year.
5. Performance Ratio:
6. Effective Energy Generated per square meter = 1,100 kWh/m2/year × 0.8 = 880 kWh/m2/year
7. Total Energy Generation:
8. 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.