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Solar PV Analysis of Tillsonburg, Canada
Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, can produce a decent amount of solar energy throughout the year. However, the efficiency varies with seasons.
In summer and spring, it is quite productive with an average output of 6.39kWh/day and 5.55kWh/day per kW of installed solar respectively. This means that these are ideal times to generate solar power at this location as there's more sunlight available.
On the other hand, autumn and winter see less production due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun intensity. The output drops to 3.26kWh/day in autumn and further down to 1.85 kWh/day in winter per kW of installed solar.
To maximize your yearly energy production from a fixed panel installation at this location, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36 degrees facing southward towards the sun for optimal exposure throughout different times of the day across all seasons.
However, local factors such as weather conditions could affect solar production here significantly because Tillsonburg experiences snowfall during winters which may cover up your panels thereby reducing their efficiency dramatically.
Preventative measures include installing devices like snow guards or heating elements on your panels which prevent accumulation or help melt off any accumulated snow quickly so that they can continue generating electricity efficiently even during snowy days.
Additionally frequent cleaning or maintenance checks especially after heavy storms or high winds would ensure that no debris blocks sunlight reaching your panels thereby ensuring greater energy production year-round from them despite these environmental challenges faced by this location in Canada for producing solar power efficiently.
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 452 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 Tillsonburg
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.8568, Longitude: -80.7294 (Tillsonburg, 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 36° South in Tillsonburg, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tillsonburg, Canada (Lat/Long 42.8568, -80.7294) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Tillsonburg, 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 Tillsonburg, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 35° 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 Tillsonburg, 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 Tillsonburg, 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 Tillsonburg, Canada
Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada is located in the southern part of the province and is predominantly flat with gentle undulating hills. The region is characterized by fertile agricultural lands and mixed forests.
The topography would be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations as it lacks significant elevation changes or obstacles that could block sunlight. Furthermore, southern Ontario generally receives a good amount of sunlight throughout the year which makes it an ideal location for solar energy production.
Areas most suited to large-scale solar PV around Tillsonburg would likely be non-arable agricultural lands or cleared areas near existing infrastructure to minimize installation costs and environmental impact. It's also important to consider proximity to power grids for efficient energy transmission.
However, any specific plans for installing a large-scale solar PV system should undergo thorough feasibility studies including detailed sun path analysis, local climate conditions (like average cloud cover), land use regulations and potential environmental impacts before proceeding.
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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 27th of June 2024
Last Updated: Thursday 27th of June 2024
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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.
