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Solar PV Analysis of Mount Albert, Canada
Mount Albert, Ontario, Canada, situated at 44.132° North latitude and 79.3001° West longitude, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production at Mount Albert varies considerably across the four seasons:
- Summer: 5.97 kWh/day per kW installed
- Spring: 5.29 kWh/day per kW installed
- Autumn: 3.02 kWh/day per kW installed
- Winter: 1.75 kWh/day per kW installed
Optimal Generation Periods
The most favorable times for solar energy generation in Mount Albert are during the spring and summer months. From late March through September, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The peak production occurs around the summer solstice in June when days are longest.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Mount Albert, Ontario, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 38 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the balance between summer and winter sun exposure, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather-related factors can impact solar production in Mount Albert: 1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue. 2. Cloud cover: The region experiences periods of overcast weather, particularly in autumn and winter, which can decrease solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize production during these times. 3. Temperature variations: Extreme cold in winter can actually improve panel efficiency, while very hot summer days might slightly reduce it. Proper ventilation behind panels can help manage temperature-related impacts.
To ensure greater energy production, preventative measures such as regular maintenance, snow removal systems, and optimized panel placement can be implemented. Additionally, considering a ground-mounted system with tracking capabilities could further enhance year-round solar energy capture in Mount Albert's variable climate.
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 Mount Albert
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.132, Longitude: -79.3001 (Mount Albert, 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 Mount Albert, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mount Albert, Canada (Lat/Long 44.132, -79.3001) 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 Mount Albert, 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 Mount Albert, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 37° 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 Mount Albert, 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 Mount Albert, 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 Mount Albert, Canada
The area around Mount Albert, Canada, located at 44.132° North latitude and 79.3001° West longitude, is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This region is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine, a geological feature that stretches across southern Ontario. The landscape consists of a mix of farmland, forests, and small rural communities.
The topography in this area is generally mild, with gradual elevation changes and few steep slopes. Mount Albert itself is not a dramatic mountain peak, but rather a slight rise in the landscape. The surrounding area features a network of small streams and rivers, which have carved shallow valleys over time. These waterways are part of the Lake Simcoe watershed, with many of them eventually draining into the lake to the north.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would be the open, flat agricultural lands that are common in the region. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- Minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Easy access for construction and maintenance
- Relatively level ground, reducing the need for extensive site preparation
- Existing road infrastructure for transportation of materials and equipment
The gently sloping fields to the south and southeast of Mount Albert would be particularly well-suited for solar PV installations. These areas receive ample sunlight throughout the day and have a slight southward tilt, which can improve the efficiency of solar panels. Additionally, the rural nature of the region means there are fewer obstacles to large-scale development compared to more densely populated urban areas.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to balance energy production goals with agricultural preservation and environmental conservation efforts, as the Oak Ridges Moraine is an important ecological and hydrological feature in the region.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 6th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
