Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, located at latitude 48.1678 and longitude -53.9592, is not an ideal location for year-round solar energy production, but it can still be viable with proper planning and expectations.

The solar energy output varies significantly across seasons:

1. Summer: 5.60 kWh/day - Very good production
2. Spring: 4.41 kWh/day - Good production
3. Autumn: 2.54 kWh/day - Moderate production
4. Winter: 1.28 kWh/day - Poor production

This location experiences a significant drop in solar energy production during autumn and winter months. The best times for solar energy generation are from late spring through early autumn (roughly May to September).

For fixed panel installations, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 41 degrees facing south. This angle helps optimize energy capture throughout the year, considering the sun's changing position in the sky.

There are several environmental and weather factors that could impede solar production at this location:

1. Snow and ice: Clarenville experiences cold winters with significant snowfall. Snow and ice accumulation on panels can reduce energy production.
Preventative measure: Install panels at a steeper angle (potentially steeper than the recommended 41 degrees) to encourage snow sliding off. Consider using snow removal systems or manual cleaning when necessary.

2. Cloud cover: The region can experience frequent cloudy days, especially in autumn and winter.
Preventative measure: Use high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Consider adding more panels to compensate for reduced production on cloudy days.

3. Short winter days: Being in the Northern Temperate Zone, Clarenville has significantly shorter days in winter.
Preventative measure: This is unavoidable, but can be partially mitigated by ensuring panels are free from snow and positioned optimally.

4. Coastal weather: Clarenville's proximity to the coast may expose panels to salt spray and high winds.
Preventative measure: Use corrosion-resistant mounting hardware and panels designed for coastal environments. Ensure robust installation to withstand high winds.

5. Tree shading: If the area has tall trees, they could cast shadows on panels.
Preventative measure: Carefully choose panel locations to minimize shading. Consider tree trimming if necessary and permitted.

While these factors present challenges, they can be managed with proper system design and maintenance. Despite the limitations, solar energy can still be a valuable part of the energy mix in Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, especially during the more productive 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 Clarenville

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.1678, Longitude: -53.9592 (Clarenville, 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:

Average 5.60kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.54kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.28kWh/day in Winter.

Average 4.41kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 41° South in Clarenville, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Clarenville, Canada (Lat/Long 48.1678, -53.9592) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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.

At Latitude: 48.1678, Longitude: -53.9592, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 41° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Clarenville, 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 Clarenville, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Clarenville, 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 Clarenville, 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.

Topography for solar PV around Clarenville, Canada

Clarenville, Canada is located on the east coast of Newfoundland, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The topography of the area around Clarenville is characterized by:

1. Coastal features: The town is situated at the head of Random Sound, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Hilly terrain: The area is part of the Newfoundland interior plateau, which features rolling hills and low mountains.

3. Forests: Much of the surrounding area is covered in boreal forest.

4. Inland water bodies: There are numerous lakes, ponds, and rivers in the region.

5. Rocky outcrops: The underlying bedrock is often exposed, creating rocky areas.

As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors need to be considered:

1. Flat or gently sloping land: This is preferable for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels.

2. Southern exposure: Areas with unobstructed southern exposure receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.

3. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Sites close to roads and electrical grid connections are more practical.

4. Minimal environmental impact: Areas that don't require extensive deforestation or disruption of sensitive ecosystems are preferred.

5. Away from residential areas: To minimize potential conflicts with local communities.

Considering these factors, some potential areas for large-scale solar PV near Clarenville might include:

1. Cleared areas or former industrial sites south of the town.
2. Gently sloping hillsides with southern exposure, particularly those that have already been cleared of trees.
3. Areas along major roads like the Trans-Canada Highway, where infrastructure access is easier.

However, it's important to note that Newfoundland's climate, characterized by frequent fog, cloud cover, and relatively low annual sunshine hours, may present challenges for large-scale solar PV projects. A thorough site-specific assessment would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations and the overall viability of such projects in this region.

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:

• 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.

Some provinces offer grants or low-interest loans for renewable energy projects.

The federal carbon pricing system can make solar more competitive compared to fossil fuels.

Some cities offer additional incentives or property tax reductions for solar installations.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.

©Copyright Aaron Robinson and profileSOLAR.com 2019-2025

Home
Solar: United States
Solar: Worldwide
Solar Panel Tilt Angle
Login

Privacy
Disclaimer
Impressum
Contact Us