Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, situated at 44.4799° N latitude and -80.2168° W longitude, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Collingwood peaks during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 6.11 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.26 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with outputs of 2.94 kWh/day and 1.69 kWh/day, respectively.

The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this region. While the long summer days provide ample sunlight for energy generation, the short, often overcast winter days significantly reduce solar efficiency.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar production in Collingwood, Ontario, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Collingwood:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can significantly reduce panel efficiency
• Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, can diminish solar output

To mitigate these issues, installing panels at the optimal angle helps shed snow more easily. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels can improve performance in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal, is crucial for maintaining efficiency during winter months.

Despite these challenges, Collingwood's location still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation, particularly from late spring through early autumn. With proper planning and installation techniques, a solar PV system can provide a significant portion of a household's or business's energy needs, especially when combined with energy storage solutions to balance the seasonal variations in production.

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 Collingwood

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.4799, Longitude: -80.2168 (Collingwood, 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 38° South in Collingwood, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Collingwood, Canada (Lat/Long 44.4799, -80.2168) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Collingwood, 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 Collingwood, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
28° South in Summer	48° South in Autumn	58° South in Winter	37° 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 Collingwood, 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 Collingwood, 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 Collingwood, Canada

Collingwood, Canada, situated at latitude 44.4799 and longitude -80.2168, is nestled in a diverse and picturesque landscape along the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The topography of the area is characterized by a mix of gentle slopes, rolling hills, and flat plains, offering a varied terrain that transitions from the shoreline to more elevated regions. The immediate vicinity of Collingwood features relatively flat land near the waterfront, which gradually rises as you move inland. This gentle incline is part of the Niagara Escarpment, a prominent geological feature that runs through the region. The escarpment creates a series of low-lying hills and ridges that add texture to the landscape, with some areas reaching elevations of 300 to 400 meters above sea level.

Nearby Topographical Features

To the west and southwest of Collingwood, the land becomes more undulating, with a series of hills and valleys typical of the Beaver Valley area. This region is known for its scenic beauty and is popular for outdoor activities. To the south and southeast, the terrain flattens out somewhat, giving way to agricultural lands and open fields. The Blue Mountains, a part of the Niagara Escarpment, dominate the landscape to the west of Collingwood. These are not towering peaks but rather a series of hills and ridges that provide elevation changes and scenic vistas. The highest point in the area, Blue Mountain itself, reaches an elevation of about 450 meters above sea level.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, open spaces with minimal shading, and good access to existing infrastructure. The agricultural lands to the south and southeast of Collingwood present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas often feature expansive, open fields with minimal obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. The relatively flat terrain in these regions would also simplify installation and reduce costs associated with land preparation. Another potential area for solar PV development could be found in some of the less steep sections of the escarpment, particularly where south-facing slopes are present. These locations could potentially benefit from increased sun exposure due to their elevated position and orientation. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, zoning regulations, and the preservation of the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. The areas around Collingwood are known for their scenic value and outdoor recreational opportunities, so finding a balance between renewable energy development and maintaining the character of the landscape would be crucial.

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!

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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.