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Solar PV Analysis of Concord, Canada
The location in Concord, Ontario, Canada is moderately suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar varies with the seasons.
During the summer months, you can expect to generate about 6.16 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This is a good rate and makes summer an ideal time for solar energy production at this location.
In autumn, the output drops to around 3.10 kWh/day per kW of installed solar, which is still decent but not as high as in summer.
Winter sees a further drop in output to about 1.81 kWh/day per kW of installed solar due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles. This makes winter less ideal for solar energy production at this location.
However, the situation improves again in spring with an expected output of approximately 5.25 kWh/day per kW of installed solar - making spring another good season for generating electricity through your PV system here.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels towards south at an angle of 37 degrees will maximize total year-round production from your PV system by ensuring they are optimally positioned relative to the path and position of the sun throughout different times during a year.
As far as potential impediments to producing maximum possible electricity are concerned; weather conditions such as heavy snowfall could block sunlight reaching your panels thereby reducing their efficiency during winter months; frequent cloudy or foggy days would also reduce sunlight availability thus affecting overall productivity across all seasons but particularly so during non-summer periods when sunshine is already less abundant due to seasonal variations in daylight length and sun's height above horizon anyway; pollution levels might also affect efficiency if they're significantly high enough locally although it's unlikely given Canadian cities generally have cleaner air compared with many other parts around world.
To mitigate these factors, it's advisable to install your panels in a location where they won't be easily covered by snow (e.g., not directly under trees or roof overhangs that might dump snow onto them); you could also consider installing a system to automatically clean and/or heat your panels which would help keep them clear of snow as well as potentially reduce any impact from pollution; for dealing with cloudy days, there's unfortunately not much that can be done other than perhaps considering use of battery storage systems so excess energy produced on sunnier days can be stored for use during less sunny periods.
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 Concord
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.7987, Longitude: -79.4816 (Concord, 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 Concord, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Concord, Canada (Lat/Long 43.7987, -79.4816) 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 Concord, 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 Concord, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 58° 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 Concord, 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 Concord, 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 Concord, Canada
Concord is located in the province of Ontario, Canada, specifically within the city of Vaughan. The topography around Concord is relatively flat with slight undulations. It's characterized by urban development and suburban neighborhoods.
The area has a humid continental climate which means it does get significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, especially in summer months from May to September. However, winters can be cloudy with less solar irradiance.
For large scale solar PV installations, open and flat areas are typically most suitable as they allow for easier installation and maintenance while maximizing exposure to sunlight. In this context, rural or semi-rural areas around Concord such as agricultural lands in King City or Whitchurch-Stouffville could potentially be suited for large-scale solar PV systems given their expansive open spaces.
However, it's important to note that suitability also depends on factors like local zoning laws, environmental impact assessments and connection to power grids which need thorough investigation before any project initiation.
Additionally, rooftops of commercial and industrial buildings in Concord itself could also be utilized for smaller scale but collectively significant solar power generation given its largely urban landscape.
It should also be noted that Ontario has a Feed-In Tariff program encouraging renewable energy projects including Solar PVs under certain conditions which might influence decisions regarding location selection for such projects.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 12th of June 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.
