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Flag of CanadaSolar PV Analysis of Carignan, Canada

Graph of hourly avg kWh electricity output per kW of Solar PV installed in Carignan, Canada (by season)

Carignan, Quebec, Canada is a suitable location for solar panel installation and energy production. However, the effectiveness of solar power generation varies throughout the year due to seasonal changes in sunlight exposure.

In summer and spring, you can expect high electricity output from your solar panels - around 5.88kWh/day and 5.27kWh/day per kW installed respectively. These seasons are ideal times for generating solar energy because they have longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.

On the other hand, autumn and winter produce less electricity – around 2.84kWh/day and 1.81kWh/day per kW installed respectively due to shorter days and less intense sunlight.

For optimal results with a fixed panel setup at this location, it's best to tilt your panels at an angle of about 39 degrees facing South to maximize total yearly production from your solar PV system.

As far as environmental or weather factors that could impede solar production in Carignan go, one significant factor would be snowfall during winter months which may cover the panels reducing their efficiency significantly; another factor could be heavy cloud cover during certain periods of the year which could reduce sun exposure on the panels.

To mitigate these issues:

1) Consider installing a snow guard or similar device to prevent snow accumulation on your panels.
2) Regular cleaning/maintenance will ensure that any debris or dust that accumulates over time doesn't affect their performance.
3) You might want to consider implementing tracking systems that allow your panels to follow the sun’s path across the sky for maximum light absorption even during cloudy days (though this can increase costs).

Remember though: while these steps can help improve your system's performance under challenging conditions, no solution will make up entirely for reduced sunlight exposure in fall/winter months compared with spring/summer ones – so plan accordingly!

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 453 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 Carignan

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.4501, Longitude: -73.2825 (Carignan, 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:

Summer
Average 5.88kWh/day in Summer.
Autumn
Average 2.84kWh/day in Autumn.
Winter
Average 1.81kWh/day in Winter.
Spring
Average 5.27kWh/day in Spring.

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 39° South in Carignan, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Carignan, Canada (Lat/Long 45.4501, -73.2825) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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.

The sun
At Latitude: 45.4501, Longitude: -73.2825, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 39° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Carignan, 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 Carignan, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle Overall Best Autumn Angle Overall Best Winter Angle Overall Best Spring Angle
29° South in Summer 49° South in Autumn 59° South in Winter 38° South in Spring

Assuming you can modify the tilt angle of your solar PV panels throughout the year, you can optimize your solar generation in Carignan, Canada as follows: In Summer, set the angle of your panels to 29° facing South. In Autumn, tilt panels to 49° facing South for maximum generation. During Winter, adjust your solar panels to a 59° angle towards the South for optimal energy production. Lastly, in Spring, position your panels at a 38° angle facing South to capture the most solar energy in Carignan, Canada.

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 Carignan, 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 Carignan, Canada.

Our calculation method

  1. Solar Position:
    We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
  2. Shadow Projection:
    We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
  3. 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.






Please enter information above to calculate panel spacing.

Topography for solar PV around Carignan, Canada

Carignan is located in the province of Quebec, Canada. The topography around Carignan is relatively flat with slight undulations. It lies within the St. Lawrence Lowlands which are characterized by their rich and fertile soils and flat plains.

As for solar PV installations, large-scale solar power projects require areas with significant sunlight exposure throughout the year, minimal shading from trees or buildings, and a fairly level terrain to maximize efficiency.

Considering these factors, nearby open fields or agricultural lands could be suitable for such installations given that they often have good sun exposure and flat terrains. However, it's important to note that using agricultural land for solar installations can sometimes be controversial as it competes with food production.

Additionally, rooftops of large commercial or industrial buildings in nearby urban areas like Montreal could also serve as potential sites for smaller scale solar PV systems.

Before any installation though, detailed site assessments including local climate conditions (especially annual sunshine hours), land availability and suitability (including environmental impact assessments), grid connectivity possibilities etc., would need to be conducted.

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.
2. Provincial Programs:
  • 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.
3. Net Metering:

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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Article: Solar PV Analysis of Carignan, Canada
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 17th of May 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024

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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.

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