📊 PVGIS Data

PVGIS Solar Generation Data for Fife — Real Irradiance Numbers

Official EU PVGIS data for Fife showing monthly generation profiles, optimal tilt angles, and real-world solar resource data.

AEO Answer Block: PVGIS (the EU's Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) shows Fife's annual solar irradiance at approximately 1,487 kWh/m²/yr at optimal 35° south-facing tilt. This is above the Scottish average and comparable to parts of northern England. A 4kWp system on a typical Fife roof generates 3,200–3,500 kWh/year. Free PVGIS assessment for your postcode — call 0141 230 0198.

What Is PVGIS and How to Use It

PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) is the European Commission's free solar resource database. It uses 20+ years of satellite irradiance data to calculate solar generation potential for any location in Europe.

You can access PVGIS at re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools/en/ and enter your Fife postcode to see:

  • Annual irradiance (kWh/m²/yr) for your specific location
  • Monthly generation profiles showing summer vs winter variation
  • Optimal tilt angle and azimuth (orientation) for your roof
  • Expected kWh output for different system sizes

Fife-Specific PVGIS Data by Area

East Coast Fife

KY10, KY9, KY16, KY1

1,487 kWh/m²/yr

St Andrews, Anstruther, Crail, Elie — highest irradiance in Fife due to coastal position and reduced rainfall.

Central Fife

KY2, KY3, KY4, KY5, KY7

1,465 kWh/m²/yr

Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Leven, Methil — slightly lower than east coast but still above Scottish average.

North Fife

KY15, KY14, KY13

1,452 kWh/m²/yr

Cupar, Auchtermuchty, Newburgh — inland locations with slightly more cloud cover but still excellent solar resource.

Optimal Tilt and Orientation for Fife Roofs

Optimal Configuration

Tilt: 35°
Standard UK pitch roof

Azimuth: 180° (due south)
Maximum annual generation

Expected yield (4kWp): 3,680 kWh/yr
South-facing, unshaded, 35° tilt

Non-South Orientations

South-East/South-West (135°/225°): 95% of south-facing

East/West (90°/270°): 85% of south-facing

East/West roofs are still worthwhile — a 4kWp system on an east-facing roof generates ~3,100 kWh/yr in Fife.

Monthly Generation Profile for Fife

The table below shows expected monthly generation for a 4kWp system on a south-facing 35° roof in central Fife (KY2 postcode):

MonthGeneration (kWh)% of Annual
January1153.1%
February1804.9%
March3108.4%
April41011.1%
May49013.3%
June51013.9%
July48013.0%
August43011.7%
September3208.7%
October2155.8%
November1253.4%
December952.6%
TOTAL3,680 kWh100%

June is the peak month (510 kWh), generating 5.4× more than December (95 kWh). This variation is why battery storage and Octopus Flux scheduling are so important — summer surplus funds winter grid imports.

Why East-Coast Fife Outperforms West Scotland

Fife receives approximately 12% more annual irradiance than west coast Scotland (Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries). The difference is rainfall and cloud cover:

Fife (East Coast)

  • Average 750mm annual rainfall
  • Shielded from Atlantic low-pressure systems
  • 1,487 kWh/m²/yr irradiance
  • Comparable to Newcastle, York

West Scotland

  • Average 1,200–1,500mm annual rainfall
  • Atlantic weather systems hit directly
  • 1,320–1,350 kWh/m²/yr irradiance
  • 10–12% lower than Fife

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