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Solar PV Analysis of Scarborough, Canada
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, situated at the coordinates 43.7952 latitude and -79.267 longitude, exhibits a promising potential for solar PV power generation. The energy yield per kW of installed solar varies seasonally, with an average daily production of 6.16 kWh in summer, 3.10 kWh in autumn, 1.81 kWh in winter and 5.25 kWh in spring.
The high summer output is driven by extended daylight hours providing ample sunlight for power generation from solar panels. Autumn and spring also offer decent yields due to moderate sunlight availability during these seasons.
Winter production is lower due to shorter daylight hours; however, it's worth noting that Scarborough's position within the Northern Temperate Zone contributes to relatively milder winters compared to other Canadian regions further north or south.
While heavy snowfall or persistent cloud cover could potentially impede the amount of sunlight reaching the panels and consequently reduce power generation capacity, such extreme weather events are less frequent here than in other parts of Canada due to its geographical location.
For optimal performance at this location, fixed panel installations should be tilted at an angle of approximately 37 degrees facing southwards for maximum exposure to direct sunlight throughout the year without requiring tracking systems.
To mitigate any potential reduction in efficiency from environmental factors such as occasional snowfall or dust accumulation on panels' surface which may block sunlight penetration partially or entirely depending on severity; regular maintenance including cleaning can be performed as a preventative measure ensuring greater energy production over time.
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 166 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
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Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Scarborough
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.7952, Longitude: -79.267 (Scarborough, 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 37° South in Scarborough, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Scarborough, Canada (Lat/Long 43.7952, -79.267) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Scarborough, 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 Scarborough, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° 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.
Topography for solar PV around Scarborough, Canada
Scarborough is located in the Greater Toronto Area, which is generally flat and rolling. The topography around Scarborough consists of mostly low-lying land with some hills in the north and south. Areas that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations are those with unobstructed access to direct sunlight, such as open fields or rooftops of industrial buildings. Areas near highways or other sources of reflected light could also be beneficial for solar installations.
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?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Canada. These include federal and provincial tax credits, grants, and loan programs. The Government of Canada offers a 15% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects such as solar power. Additionally, many provinces offer their own incentive programs such as the Ontario MicroFIT Program which provides long-term contracts to small-scale renewable energy producers at a guaranteed rate.
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.
