Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, located at 44.0539° N latitude and -79.4487° W longitude, offers a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations in solar productivity, presenting both opportunities and challenges for solar PV installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Newmarket peaks during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 5.93 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.24 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a significant drop to 2.95 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest productivity at 1.69 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial variation in solar potential across seasons. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during summer and spring make these seasons ideal for solar energy generation. Conversely, the shorter days and lower sun angles in autumn and winter result in reduced solar productivity.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

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

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Newmarket's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact solar production:

1. Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
2. Cloudy days, particularly common in autumn and winter, may decrease solar output.

To mitigate these factors, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal, can also help maintain optimal performance.

Despite these challenges, Newmarket's location remains suitable for solar PV installations. With proper planning and installation techniques, solar energy can be a viable and sustainable power source throughout the year, with peak production during the spring and summer 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 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 Newmarket

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.0539, Longitude: -79.4487 (Newmarket, 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 Newmarket, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Newmarket, Canada (Lat/Long 44.0539, -79.4487) 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 Newmarket, 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 Newmarket, 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	47° South in Autumn	58° 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 Newmarket, 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 Newmarket, 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 Newmarket, Canada

The topography around Newmarket, Canada, located at 44.0539°N and 79.4487°W, is characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains. This area is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine, a prominent geological feature that stretches across southern Ontario. The landscape is a mix of urban development, agricultural land, and pockets of forested areas. To the north and west of Newmarket, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated and undulating as it transitions into the Holland Marsh, a fertile wetland region known for its rich soil and agricultural productivity. The East Holland River flows through Newmarket, creating a shallow valley that adds some variation to the otherwise relatively flat terrain.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings, and good access to existing electrical infrastructure. The agricultural lands to the south and east of Newmarket present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas often feature expansive, cleared fields that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. The relatively flat terrain in these regions would minimize the need for extensive land preparation, reducing installation costs and environmental impact. Another potentially suitable area lies to the north of Newmarket, where there are large tracts of open land between the town and Lake Simcoe. While some of this land is part of the Holland Marsh and may be protected for agricultural use, there may be parcels that could be repurposed for solar energy production without significantly impacting food production. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider local zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and community engagement. The proximity to the Greater Toronto Area means that land use is often competitive, and balancing renewable energy development with other land use priorities would be crucial. In conclusion, while the topography around Newmarket is generally favorable for solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the open agricultural lands to the south and east, as well as potentially in some areas to the north. These locations offer the best combination of flat terrain, open space, and minimal obstructions for optimal solar energy capture.

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.