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Solar PV Analysis of Carleton Place, Canada
Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada, situated at latitude 45.1314 and longitude -76.1544, presents a mixed scenario for year-round solar PV energy generation. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Carleton Place varies considerably throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.93 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.24 kWh/day. However, there's a sharp decline in autumn and winter, with outputs of 2.87 kWh/day and 1.76 kWh/day, respectively.
The ideal times for solar generation in this location are clearly the summer months, followed by late spring and early autumn. During these periods, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. Conversely, the winter months see significantly reduced output due to shorter days and lower sun angles.
Optimal Panel Tilt
For fixed panel installations in Carleton Place, Ontario, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 39 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can impact solar production in Carleton Place:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
- Cloudy weather, particularly common in autumn and winter, can decrease solar output.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and implementing regular maintenance, including snow removal, can help maximize energy production during challenging periods.
While Carleton Place may not be ideal for year-round solar production due to its significant seasonal variations, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable energy option, especially during the more productive spring and summer months.
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 Carleton Place
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.1314, Longitude: -76.1544 (Carleton Place, 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 39° South in Carleton Place, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Carleton Place, Canada (Lat/Long 45.1314, -76.1544) 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.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Carleton Place, 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 Carleton Place, 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 |
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 Carleton Place, 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 Carleton Place, 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 Carleton Place, Canada
The topography around Carleton Place, Canada, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Ottawa Valley region. This area, located in eastern Ontario, is part of the larger physiographic region known as the St. Lawrence Lowlands. The landscape is a result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which left behind a mix of flat plains and low, undulating hills.
Carleton Place itself is situated along the Mississippi River (not to be confused with the larger American river of the same name), which has carved a shallow valley through the area. The surrounding land is a mosaic of open fields, mixed forests, and numerous small lakes and wetlands. The elevation in this region generally ranges from about 120 to 150 meters above sea level, with only minor variations in height across the landscape.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered:
- Open, flat land: The ideal locations would be on the open agricultural fields that are common in the region surrounding Carleton Place. These areas provide large, unobstructed spaces that receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day.
- South-facing slopes: Any gentle, south-facing slopes in the area would be particularly well-suited for solar installations, as they naturally maximize sun exposure in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Areas away from water bodies: While the Mississippi River and various lakes add to the region's beauty, it's best to avoid placing solar installations too close to these water features to prevent potential flooding or environmental concerns.
- Accessibility: Sites with good road access would be preferable for ease of construction and maintenance of solar facilities.
Specific areas that might be suitable include the agricultural lands to the south and east of Carleton Place, where there are expansive open fields. The slightly higher ground between Carleton Place and Almonte to the north might also offer good potential sites, as long as they're not too close to residential areas or protected natural habitats.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar project would require detailed site-specific assessments, including environmental impact studies and consultations with local authorities and communities. The suitability of any particular location would depend on a combination of factors including land availability, zoning regulations, grid connection possibilities, and local climate data.
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: Sunday 25th of August 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.
