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Solar PV Analysis of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada
The location at Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada is decent for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round. However, the efficiency of the solar panels will vary depending on the season due to changes in sunlight exposure and intensity.
During summer and spring, you can expect higher electricity output - about 5.96kWh/day and 5.45kWh/day per kW of installed solar respectively. This is because these seasons typically have longer daylight hours and more intense sunlight compared to other times of the year.
In contrast, autumn and winter will produce less electricity - around 2.87kWh/day and 1.82kWh/day per kW respectively due to fewer daylight hours and lower sun intensity.
To maximize overall yearly production from your solar PV system in this location, it's advised that you tilt your panels at an angle of 39 degrees facing South.
There might be some local factors that could affect your solar power production though:
1) Weather: Frequent snowfall during winter could cover your panels reducing their efficiency or even stopping them from producing any power until they are cleared off.
Preventive Measure: Regularly clear away snow from your panels using a soft brush or broom.
2) Environmental Factors: Trees or buildings surrounding the installation site may cast shadows on the panels reducing their efficiency.
Preventive Measure: Choose an installation site with minimal shading throughout all seasons if possible.
3) Temperature: Extremely cold temperatures can reduce panel efficiency as well.
Preventative Measure: Ensure that there is proper ventilation behind each panel when installing them as this helps keep them cooler which improves their performance.
Overall, while Vaudreuil-Dorion isn't perfect for generating solar energy all year round due to its seasonal variations in sunlight exposure/intensity & potential environmental/weather challenges; with careful planning & maintenance it's still possible to generate a significant amount of clean renewable energy from solar PV systems in this location.
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 453 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 Vaudreuil-Dorion
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.4017, Longitude: -74.0335 (Vaudreuil-Dorion, 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 Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada (Lat/Long 45.4017, -74.0335) 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 Vaudreuil-Dorion, 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 Vaudreuil-Dorion, 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 Vaudreuil-Dorion, 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 Vaudreuil-Dorion, 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 Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada
Vaudreuil-Dorion is located in the province of Quebec, Canada. The topography of this area is relatively flat with some small hills and valleys. It is characterized by a mix of urban areas, farmland, and forests.
The Saint Lawrence River runs to the north-east of Vaudreuil-Dorion providing a water source but also potential shading issues for solar panels. There are several large open fields or agricultural lands in the region which could be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations due to their high sun exposure and lack of obstructions such as tall buildings or trees.
However, it's important to take into account factors beyond just topography when considering suitability for solar power installation. These include local climate (amount of sunlight received throughout the year), land use restrictions, proximity to power grids for energy transmission, and environmental impact assessments.
In terms of climate, Vaudreuil-Dorion receives moderate sunlight with more sunny days during summer months which may make it suitable for solar PV generation given appropriate technology that can withstand colder temperatures during winter months.
As always before proceeding with any largescale renewable energy project an extensive feasibility study should be conducted including site surveys and consultations with local stakeholders.
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: Tuesday 26th of March 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th 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.
