Solar Energy Potential in Keene, Ontario, Canada

Keene, Ontario, Canada, located at 44.2398°N, -78.1565°E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects its overall suitability for solar PV installations.

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.89 kWh per day generated for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.18 kWh/day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for solar energy production, with longer days and more direct sunlight.

However, the picture changes dramatically during autumn and winter. Autumn sees a substantial drop to 2.99 kWh/day, while winter production plummets to a mere 1.77 kWh/day. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy generation in Keene's climate.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Keene, Ontario, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 38-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impede solar production in Keene:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
• Overcast days, particularly common in autumn and winter, can decrease solar output.
• Potential shading from nearby trees or buildings may affect panel performance.

To mitigate these issues, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off.
• Implement regular panel cleaning and snow removal protocols.
• Use microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading.
• Conduct a thorough site assessment to optimize panel placement and avoid shading.

While Keene's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize output, particularly during the highly productive summer and spring months.

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 453 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 Keene

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.2398, Longitude: -78.1565 (Keene, 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 5.89kWh/day in Summer.

Average 2.99kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 1.77kWh/day in Winter.

Average 5.18kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 38° South in Keene, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Keene, Canada (Lat/Long 44.2398, -78.1565) 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.

At Latitude: 44.2398, Longitude: -78.1565, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 38° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Keene, 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 Keene, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° 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 Keene, 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 Keene, 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 Keene, Canada

The topography around Keene, Canada, which is located in southern Ontario, is characterized by gently rolling hills and a mix of rural landscapes. This area is part of the larger physiographic region known as the Peterborough Drumlin Field, which was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age.

The terrain in and around Keene consists of low, elongated hills called drumlins, interspersed with flat or slightly undulating areas. These drumlins are typically oriented in a northeast-southwest direction, following the movement of ancient glaciers. The landscape is dotted with numerous small lakes, ponds, and wetlands, as well as agricultural fields and patches of forest.

To the north and east of Keene, the land gradually rises towards the Canadian Shield, a vast area of exposed Precambrian rock. This transition zone is marked by increasing elevation and more rugged terrain. To the south and west, the land becomes flatter as it approaches the shores of Rice Lake and the Trent River system.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or other obstructions. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Keene might be suitable:

1. The flat agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Keene, particularly those closer to Rice Lake, could offer good potential for solar PV installations. These areas typically have fewer trees and more open space.
2. Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest, which can be found scattered throughout the region, might also be suitable. These slopes can provide optimal angles for solar panels to capture sunlight.
3. Former gravel pits or quarries in the area, if any exist, could be repurposed for solar farms. These sites often have the advantage of being already cleared and relatively flat.

It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site assessments, environmental impact studies, and compliance with local zoning and land-use regulations. Additionally, proximity to existing electrical infrastructure and the capacity of the local grid to accommodate new power generation would need to be considered.

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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