The location at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada is somewhat suitable for generating energy via solar PV year-round. The amount of electricity you can generate from solar panels depends on the amount of sunlight they receive, which changes with the seasons.

In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar could produce about 5.66 kilowatt-hours per day, and in spring it's slightly less at 5.22 kWh/day. These are good rates and these would be the best times to generate solar power in this location.

However, in autumn and winter, the output drops significantly to around 2.04 kWh/day and 1.05 kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles.

For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting your panels at an angle of 48 degrees towards the south would help maximize total year-round production from your solar PV system because it aligns better with the path of the sun across the sky throughout different seasons.

There might be some local factors that could impede solar production though:

- Weather: Fort McMurray has long winters with heavy snowfall which can cover up your panels reducing their efficiency.
- Environment: If there are tall buildings or trees blocking sunlight from reaching your panels that will also reduce their efficiency.

Preventative measures include:

- Regularly cleaning off snow during winter months so that light can reach your panels.
- Consider installing a tracking system so that your panels can follow the sun throughout its daily path for maximum exposure.
- Before installation check for any potential obstructions (like tall buildings or trees) and if possible position your panel somewhere where it won't be shaded for most part of day.

So while there may be some challenges due to weather conditions especially during fall/winter season but overall Fort McMurray is still a viable place for generating energy using Solar PV systems particularly during spring/summer season when days are longer providing more sunlight exposure time for panels.

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 450 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 Fort McMurray

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 56.6709, Longitude: -111.1393 (Fort McMurray, 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 5.66kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.04kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.05kWh/day in Winter.

Average 5.22kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 48° South in Fort McMurray, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fort McMurray, Canada (Lat/Long 56.6709, -111.1393) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 48° 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: 56.6709, Longitude: -111.1393, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 48° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Fort McMurray, 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 Fort McMurray, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 48° 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 Fort McMurray, 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 Fort McMurray, 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 Fort McMurray, Canada

Fort McMurray, located in northeastern Alberta, Canada, is characterized by a mixed topography. The region is mostly flat to gently rolling with areas of boreal forest and numerous rivers and lakes. To the north and east of Fort McMurray are low-lying wetlands.

The climate in Fort McMurray is subarctic with long, very cold winters and short, warm summers. The city receives an average of 316 days of sunshine per year which makes it suitable for solar energy generation.

For large-scale solar PV installations, flat open areas would be ideal as they allow for easy installation and maintenance while maximizing exposure to sunlight. Considering this aspect along with minimal shade obstruction from trees or buildings, the southern part of Fort McMurray could be suitable as it has relatively less forest cover compared to the northern parts.

However, other factors such as proximity to transmission lines or substations (for grid connectivity), land use restrictions or regulations (e.g., protected natural areas), soil conditions (for ground-mounted systems) also need consideration when identifying potential sites for large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, feasibility studies including solar resource assessments would need to be conducted before final site selection.

It should also be noted that despite being a fossil fuel-rich province historically dependent on oil sands extraction; Alberta has been making strides towards renewable energy sources including wind power and increasingly – solar power. It's worth exploring partnership opportunities with local authorities or businesses who may already have some initiatives underway.

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!

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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.

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