Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, situated at latitude 60.718 and longitude -135.0475, presents a challenging location for year-round solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.44 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.31 kWh/day. However, the performance drops dramatically during autumn and winter, with outputs of 1.35 kWh/day and a mere 0.60 kWh/day, respectively.

The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying on solar power year-round in Whitehorse. The long summer days provide ample sunlight for energy generation, making it an ideal time for solar power. Conversely, the short winter days severely limit solar potential.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar production, fixed panels should be tilted at a 51-degree angle facing south. This angle optimizes the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, balancing the low winter sun with the higher summer sun path.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several factors can impede solar production in Whitehorse:

• Snow accumulation on panels during winter months
• Extended periods of overcast skies, particularly in autumn and winter
• Extremely low temperatures, which can affect panel efficiency

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding. Use high-quality, cold-resistant panels designed for extreme temperatures. Regular panel cleaning and maintenance, especially after snowfall, can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, incorporating a hybrid system with wind power or battery storage can provide more consistent energy supply throughout the year.

In conclusion, while Whitehorse offers excellent solar potential during summer and spring, the significant drop in production during autumn and winter makes it challenging for year-round solar reliance. Careful system design and complementary energy sources are crucial for effective solar implementation 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 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 Whitehorse

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.718, Longitude: -135.0475 (Whitehorse, 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 51° South in Whitehorse, Canada

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Whitehorse, Canada (Lat/Long 60.718, -135.0475) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 51° 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 Whitehorse, 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 Whitehorse, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 51° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
44° South in Summer	62° South in Autumn	73° South in Winter	52° 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 Whitehorse, 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 Whitehorse, 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 Whitehorse, Canada

Whitehorse, the capital city of Canada's Yukon Territory, is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by diverse topography. The city sits at the confluence of the Yukon and Takhini Rivers, with the landscape characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and rugged mountains in the distance. To the west of Whitehorse, the terrain rises sharply into the Coast Mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop for the city. These mountains, part of the larger Pacific Coast Ranges, feature steep slopes, rocky peaks, and glaciated valleys. The eastern side of the city is bordered by a series of lower hills and plateaus that gradually transition into the Yukon Plateau. The immediate area around Whitehorse is relatively flat, with the city center located on a terrace above the Yukon River. This river valley widens as it stretches north and south of the city, creating areas of level ground interspersed with gentle slopes and small hills. The surrounding forests are primarily composed of white spruce and pine trees, with some deciduous species mixed in at lower elevations.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Whitehorse for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have relatively flat terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from surrounding landscape features. The most suitable areas for solar PV development would likely be found in the wider sections of the Yukon River valley, both north and south of Whitehorse. These areas offer more expansive, level ground that could accommodate large arrays of solar panels. The gentle slopes on the valley sides could also be utilized, potentially allowing for optimal panel orientation towards the south. Areas to the east of Whitehorse, where the terrain transitions to the Yukon Plateau, might also present opportunities for solar installations. These locations typically have fewer tall mountains and more open spaces, which could provide good solar exposure throughout the day. It's important to note that while Whitehorse experiences long summer days with abundant sunlight, its northern latitude means significantly shorter days during winter months. This factor would need to be carefully considered in the planning and design of any large-scale solar PV project in the region. Additionally, any potential sites would need to be evaluated for their proximity to existing power infrastructure, environmental impact, and local land use regulations. Areas closer to the city might offer advantages in terms of grid connection, but may also face more competition for land use. Overall, while the mountainous terrain around Whitehorse presents some challenges for large-scale solar development, the wider river valleys and plateau areas offer promising potential for such projects, provided other technical and environmental considerations are met.

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.