Franklin, Quebec, Canada, located at latitude 45.0335 and longitude -73.9216 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar PV energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations that are typical for this northern latitude.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Franklin shows dramatic seasonal swings that reflect the location's northern position. Summer delivers the strongest performance at 5.85 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it the peak season for solar generation. Spring follows closely behind at 5.20 kWh per day, offering nearly comparable output levels. However, the colder months present more challenging conditions. Autumn drops to 2.77 kWh per day, while winter reaches its lowest point at just 1.75 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. This winter minimum represents less than 30% of summer's peak output, highlighting the importance of seasonal planning for solar installations in this region.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For maximum year-round solar production at Franklin, Quebec, fixed solar panels should be tilted at 38 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual energy capture by accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the year and weighting the angles based on actual solar irradiance data and daily photovoltaic potential.

Local Factors Affecting Solar Production

Several environmental and weather factors at Franklin can significantly impact solar energy production and require careful consideration during installation planning. Snow Accumulation and Ice Formation
Winter conditions pose the most significant challenge for solar installations in Franklin. Heavy snow can completely cover solar panels, blocking all sunlight and reducing output to zero until cleared. Ice formation can create similar problems and may persist longer than snow cover. To combat these issues, panels should be installed at steeper angles when possible to encourage natural snow shedding. The recommended 38-degree tilt helps with this process. Installing panels with adequate spacing from roof edges allows snow to slide off safely. Some installations benefit from heating elements or specialized coatings that help prevent ice buildup, though these add to system costs. Seasonal Weather Patterns
Franklin's location subjects it to typical Canadian weather patterns including overcast skies, frequent cloud cover during certain seasons, and potential for severe weather events. Extended periods of cloudy weather, particularly during autumn and winter months, can further reduce the already limited solar production during these seasons. Debris and Maintenance Challenges
The area's deciduous and coniferous forests mean falling leaves, pine needles, and small branches can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Winter conditions can make regular cleaning and maintenance more difficult and potentially dangerous. Regular cleaning schedules should account for seasonal debris patterns. Installing panels with smooth surfaces and appropriate drainage helps minimize debris accumulation. Ensuring safe access for maintenance during winter months is crucial for optimal performance. Temperature Extremes
While cold temperatures can actually improve solar panel efficiency, the extreme temperature swings between summer and winter can stress system components over time. Proper component selection rated for the local temperature range helps ensure long-term reliability. Despite these challenges, Franklin's solar potential remains viable, particularly when systems are designed with local conditions in mind and proper maintenance protocols are established.

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 Franklin

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.0335, Longitude: -73.9216 (Franklin, 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 Franklin, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Franklin, Canada (Lat/Long 45.0335, -73.9216) 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, 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
29° South in Summer	49° South in Autumn	59° South in Winter	38° 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, Canada

Topography Around Franklin, Canada

Franklin is situated in the southwestern region of Quebec, positioned within the fertile Saint Lawrence River valley system. The area is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain, typical of the broader Montreal Plain region. This lowland area sits at a modest elevation, with the landscape shaped by ancient glacial activity that left behind rich sedimentary deposits and a generally level topography.

The immediate surroundings of Franklin feature agricultural land interspersed with small woodlots and rural residential developments. The terrain slopes very gradually toward the nearby Châteauguay River, which flows northward to eventually join the Saint Lawrence River. To the south, the land begins a gentle rise toward the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, though this elevation change is quite gradual over considerable distance.

The soil composition in this region consists primarily of clay and silt deposits left by post-glacial marine waters, creating the fertile conditions that have made this area ideal for farming. These same flat, open conditions that benefit agriculture also create favorable circumstances for solar energy development, as the terrain requires minimal grading or preparation for large installations.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Franklin would be the extensive agricultural fields that dominate the landscape to the north, east, and west of the community. These areas offer several key advantages including minimal topographical obstacles, existing cleared land, and good accessibility via the rural road network.

Particularly promising are the large open fields extending northward toward the Châteauguay River, where the terrain is exceptionally flat and free from significant tree cover or other obstructions. The agricultural nature of much of this land means it already has established property boundaries and infrastructure access, which can simplify development logistics.

Areas to the east and west of Franklin also present excellent opportunities, as they maintain the same favorable flat topography while offering good proximity to existing electrical transmission infrastructure. The rural nature of the region means that large contiguous parcels of suitable land are available, allowing for the economies of scale that make utility-scale solar projects financially viable.

The southern areas, while still relatively flat, begin to show more varied topography as the land rises toward the distant mountains. However, even these areas could accommodate solar development, particularly on south-facing slopes that would naturally optimize panel orientation. The key consideration throughout the region is avoiding the scattered woodlots and wetland areas that punctuate the agricultural landscape, while taking advantage of the generally excellent solar exposure provided by the open, flat terrain.

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.