Erin, Ontario, Canada, located at 43.7712°N, -80.0721°W in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Erin, Ontario, with an impressive output of 6.25 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.30 kWh/day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production.

However, the colder months see a substantial decrease in solar output. Autumn yields 2.98 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at just 1.81 kWh/day. This significant drop in winter performance is a crucial factor to consider when planning year-round solar energy reliance in Erin.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Erin, Ontario, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Erin's location in the Northern Temperate Zone presents some challenges for solar energy production. The most significant factor is the region's harsh winters, characterized by heavy snowfall and shorter daylight hours. Snow accumulation on solar panels can significantly reduce their efficiency or even completely block sunlight.

To mitigate these issues, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off
• Use snow-shedding coatings on panel surfaces
• Implement a regular panel cleaning schedule, especially after snowstorms
• Consider using bifacial solar panels to capture reflected light from snow

Additionally, Erin experiences cloudy conditions throughout the year, which can impact solar production. Using high-efficiency panels and incorporating energy storage solutions can help maintain a more consistent energy supply despite weather variations.

While Erin's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for this Canadian town.

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 Erin

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.7712, Longitude: -80.0721 (Erin, 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 Erin, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Erin, Canada (Lat/Long 43.7712, -80.0721) 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 Erin, 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 Erin, 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	57° 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 Erin, 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 Erin, 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 Erin, Canada

The topography around Erin, Canada, located at latitude 43.7712 and longitude -80.0721, is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the southern Ontario landscape. This area is part of the larger physiographic region known as the Guelph Drumlin Field, which was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. The terrain in and around Erin features a mix of open farmland, forested areas, and numerous small streams and rivers. The West Credit River flows through the town, carving a shallow valley in the landscape. The elevation in this region generally ranges from about 400 to 500 meters above sea level, with subtle variations creating a patchwork of low hills and shallow depressions.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from trees or other obstacles. The agricultural lands surrounding Erin could potentially be suitable for solar PV development. These areas often feature large, open fields with minimal obstruction to sunlight. Particularly promising would be south-facing slopes, which receive more direct sunlight throughout the day and year. Some of the most suitable areas might be found to the south and southwest of Erin, where the land tends to be more open and less forested. The region between Erin and Acton, for example, has expansive farmland that could potentially accommodate large solar installations. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with preservation of agricultural land and natural habitats. Environmental assessments and local zoning regulations would play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and exact locations of such projects. Additionally, areas near existing electrical infrastructure, such as substations or transmission lines, would be advantageous for connecting new solar installations to the grid. This could potentially make locations closer to more developed areas, like the outskirts of Guelph to the west or Georgetown to the southeast, attractive for solar PV development. In conclusion, while the rolling topography around Erin presents some challenges for large-scale solar PV, there are certainly areas in the vicinity that could be suitable, particularly in the open agricultural lands to the south and southwest of the town.

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.