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Solar PV Analysis of Coquitlam, Canada
The location in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada is moderately suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. This is based on the average amount of electricity that can be produced per kilowatt of installed solar panels in each season.
During the summer, you can expect to generate about 6.67 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for every kilowatt of installed solar panels. This decreases to 2.08 kWh/day in the autumn and drops even further to 1.21 kWh/day during winter months. However, production increases again in spring with an average output of 4.67 kWh/day.
Therefore, the ideal times to generate solar energy at this location would be during spring and summer when sunlight is more abundant.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, it's recommended that the panels are tilted at an angle of 41 degrees facing southward for maximum year-round production from your solar PV system.
In terms of environmental or local factors that could impede solar production at this location - Coquitlam, British Columbia, being located near mountains and forests may experience shading which could reduce sunlight exposure on the panels especially during winter months when sun angles are low and days are shorter. Weather conditions such as frequent rain or snow could also limit sunlight availability thus reducing energy generation potential.
To counter these issues:
- It's important to position your panels where they will receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year.
- Regular maintenance such as cleaning off any accumulated dust or snow can help ensure your system operates efficiently.
- If possible, using tracking systems that adjust panel positions according to sun movement can also help maximize energy production.
Remember though these measures might increase initial setup costs but could potentially lead to greater energy output over time making them worth considering depending on individual circumstances and budget constraints
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 452 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 Coquitlam
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 49.2663, Longitude: -122.8739 (Coquitlam, 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 41° South in Coquitlam, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Coquitlam, Canada (Lat/Long 49.2663, -122.8739) 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.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Coquitlam, 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 Coquitlam, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33° South in Summer | 52° South in Autumn | 63° South in Winter | 41° 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 Coquitlam, 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 Coquitlam, 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 Coquitlam, Canada
Coquitlam is located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. The topography consists of mountains, hills, and valleys with the Coquitlam River running through it. It's surrounded by forests and has several parks with a lot of green space.
However, when it comes to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are several factors to consider:
1. Sunlight: While Coquitlam does receive a fair amount of sunlight during the summer months, it also experiences heavy rainfall during fall and winter which could limit solar energy generation.
2. Topography: The mountainous terrain may pose challenges for large-scale solar installations due to uneven ground and potential shading issues.
3. Land Use: Much of the land in Coquitlam is either developed or preserved as natural spaces which might not be available for such projects.
Given these factors, flat areas with high sun exposure would be most suitable for solar PV installations. These might include areas like Pitt Meadows or Delta that are relatively flat compared to other parts of Greater Vancouver area.
It's also important to note that rooftop solar on commercial or industrial buildings could be a viable option in more urbanized parts of this region given the constraints on available land.
Ultimately though, feasibility studies including detailed site assessments would need to be carried out before any specific locations could be definitively identified as suitable for large-scale PV installation.
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: Thursday 14th of March 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.
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.
