Kingston, Canada, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderately favorable location for solar energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations that potential solar installers should carefully consider.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location shows dramatic seasonal swings. Summer provides the highest electricity generation at 5.77 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it the peak season for solar production. Spring follows as the second-best season with 5.14 kWh per day per kW, offering nearly comparable performance to summer months. Autumn sees a notable decline in solar output, dropping to 2.91 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. Winter presents the most challenging conditions for solar generation, with output falling to just 1.85 kWh per day per kW - less than one-third of summer production levels.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at Kingston, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the year and weighting the angles based on actual solar irradiance data.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors can significantly impact solar energy production at this Northern Temperate Zone location:

• Snow accumulation - Winter snow can completely block solar panels, eliminating energy production until cleared
• Ice formation - Freezing conditions can create ice buildup that reduces panel efficiency
• Cloud cover patterns - Extended periods of overcast skies, particularly common in autumn and winter
• Temperature effects - Extreme cold can affect battery performance in off-grid systems

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies prove effective: Installing panels at the recommended 39-degree tilt naturally helps snow slide off more easily than flatter installations. Consider mounting panels slightly higher off the roof surface to improve air circulation and prevent ice dam formation. Choose high-quality panels rated for cold weather performance, as some solar panels actually perform better in cold temperatures when not blocked by snow or ice. Ensure adequate spacing between panel rows to prevent shading when snow accumulates on lower panels. For battery-based systems, install batteries in temperature-controlled environments or use battery heating systems during extreme cold periods. Regular maintenance access should be planned for safe snow removal when necessary. The location offers decent solar potential during spring and summer months, but the dramatic winter reduction in output means grid-tied systems typically perform better than off-grid installations unless significant battery storage is included to compensate for seasonal variations.

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 Kingston, New Brunswick

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.4098, Longitude: -66.0932 (Kingston, New Brunswick, 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 39° South in Kingston, New Brunswick, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kingston, New Brunswick, Canada (Lat/Long 45.4098, -66.0932) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Kingston, New Brunswick, 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 Kingston, New Brunswick, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° 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 Kingston, New Brunswick, 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 Kingston, New Brunswick, 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 Kingston, New Brunswick, Canada

Topographical Features Around Kingston

The area around Kingston, Canada sits within the relatively gentle terrain of the Saint John River valley in New Brunswick. This region is characterized by rolling hills and moderate elevation changes, with the landscape shaped by both glacial activity and river erosion over thousands of years. The topography consists primarily of low-lying areas near the Saint John River, gradually rising to modest hills and ridgelines that rarely exceed 200 meters in elevation.

The terrain features a mix of agricultural land, forested areas, and wetlands typical of the Maritime provinces. Much of the surrounding countryside consists of cleared farmland with gentle slopes, interspersed with patches of mixed forest dominated by softwood and hardwood species. The Saint John River creates a natural corridor through the landscape, with its floodplain providing some of the flattest terrain in the immediate vicinity.

Drainage patterns in the area are influenced by the Saint John River system, with numerous smaller streams and tributaries creating minor valleys and depressions throughout the region. These waterways have carved subtle undulations into the landscape, creating a gently rolling topography that is neither completely flat nor dramatically hilly.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Kingston would be the cleared agricultural lands that occupy the gently sloping hillsides and ridge tops. These areas offer several advantages including relatively open terrain with minimal shading from trees or other obstructions, and slopes that can be oriented to maximize solar exposure throughout the day.

South-facing slopes with gradual inclines would be particularly well-suited for solar development, as they naturally provide optimal positioning for solar panels. The agricultural areas southwest and southeast of Kingston contain extensive cleared fields that could accommodate large solar arrays without requiring significant forest clearing or environmental disruption.

The higher elevation areas, while still modest in height, would be preferable to the lower-lying regions near the Saint John River. These elevated locations tend to have better drainage, reducing concerns about flooding or waterlogging, and often experience slightly better air circulation which can help with panel cooling and maintenance access.

Areas to avoid for large-scale solar development would include the immediate floodplain of the Saint John River, where seasonal flooding could pose risks to equipment, and the heavily forested regions where extensive clearing would be required. Wetland areas, which are scattered throughout the region, would also be unsuitable due to environmental regulations and challenging ground conditions for construction and maintenance activities.

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.