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Solar PV Analysis of Cambridge, Canada
The location of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada is fairly decent for generating electricity through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. However, the amount of energy that can be produced varies significantly throughout the year due to seasonal changes in sunlight.
In the summer months, these panels can produce around 6.28 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt installed. This means that during this time of year, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck because there's plenty of sunlight available.
During autumn and spring, production drops but still remains relatively high with approximately 3.04 and 5.35 kWh/day per kW installed respectively. These seasons aren't as sunny as summer but are still quite productive.
Winter is the least ideal season to generate solar power at this location because it produces only about 1.87 kWh/day per kW installed due to less daylight hours and often overcast skies.
For fixed panel installations in Cambridge, Ontario, tilting them at an angle of 37 degrees towards South will maximize their overall yearly energy production by capturing more sunlight throughout different times in a day across all seasons.
However, there might be some local factors that could impact solar production here such as heavy snowfall or ice accumulation on panels during winter which can block sunlight from reaching them effectively reducing their efficiency or even causing damage if not properly managed. Frequent cloudy days may also lower productivity since less direct sun reaches the panels.
To prevent these issues from affecting your solar power generation too much:
1) Consider installing a system to automatically remove snow from your panels.
2) Use high-quality PV modules designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
3) Regularly clean and maintain your system so it works efficiently regardless of weather changes.
4) Consider using battery storage systems to store excess power generated on sunny days which then can be used when sunshine is limited or during nighttime when no power generation occurs.
Overall though with proper installation and maintenance, Cambridge can be a beneficial location for solar power generation.
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 569 locations across Canada. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Canada by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Cambridge
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.3831, Longitude: -80.2798 (Cambridge, Canada), 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 37° South in Cambridge, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cambridge, Canada (Lat/Long 43.3831, -80.2798) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Cambridge, Canada
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 Cambridge, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 36° 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 Cambridge, Canada
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 Cambridge, Canada.
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 Cambridge, Canada
Cambridge, Canada is located within the Southern Ontario region and is characterized by a relatively flat topography. The landscape consists primarily of gentle rolling hills and flat plains, making it suitable for agriculture and urban development.
As for solar PV installations, large-scale projects would ideally require open, flat areas that receive significant sunlight throughout the year. Given this criteria, agricultural lands or unused industrial lands in or around Cambridge could be potential sites considering they are typically flat and clear of obstructions that may block sunlight.
However, it's important to note that while physical geography plays a role in site selection for solar farms, other factors such as local climate conditions (specifically amount of sunshine), proximity to power grids for easy energy transmission and local regulations also significantly influence where these installations can be set up.
Additionally, environmental impact assessments would need to be carried out before any development begins to ensure minimal disruption to local ecosystems.
Canada solar PV Stats as a country
Canada ranks 23rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 3,630 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.70% of Canada's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 38th in the world). Each year Canada is generating 96 Watts from solar PV per capita (Canada ranks 40th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Canada?
There are several incentives for businesses to install solar power systems in Canada. These incentives vary by province and can include:
1. Federal Tax Incentives:- Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA): Businesses can write off the full cost of clean energy equipment in the year it's put into use.
- Ontario: Save on Energy program offers incentives for businesses to reduce energy consumption.
- Alberta: Energy Efficiency Alberta offers rebates for solar PV installations.
- British Columbia: BC Hydro offers a net metering program. BC Hydro also offers rebates for solar panels and battery storage.
- Nova Scotia: Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Program.
Many provinces ofer net metering, allowing businesses to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
4. Grants and Loans:Some provinces offer grants or low-interest loans for renewable energy projects.
5. Carbon Pricing:The federal carbon pricing system can make solar more competitive compared to fossil fuels.
6. Municipal Incentives:Some cities offer additional incentives or property tax reductions for solar installations.
7. Reduced Operating Costs:While not a direct incentive, businesses can significantly reduce their long-term energy costs.
Note: Incentives and programs can change over time, so businesses should check with local authorities and energy providers for the most up-to-date information.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Canada? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 20th of May 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
