Solar PV Analysis of Tamuning, Guam
Situated in Tamuning, Guam, a location known for its year-round sunshine, the potential for generating solar photovoltaic (PV) power is significant. The average energy production per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity varies by season: 6.14 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day during Summer, 5.45 kWh/day in Autumn, 5.89 kWh/day throughout Winter and reaching a peak at 7.25 kWh/day in Spring.
These figures highlight that the sunnier months of Spring and Summer yield higher electricity output compared to Autumn and Winter due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight exposure. However, it's worth noting that even during the less sunny seasons, the energy generation remains substantial thanks to Tamuning's overall sunny climate.
The optimal tilt angle for fixed panels at this location is found to be 12 degrees towards South which helps maximize electricity production across all seasons by ensuring an optimum incident angle for sunlight throughout the year.
Despite these favorable conditions for solar power generation in Tamuning, certain environmental factors could potentially impede efficiency. Occasional heavy rainfall or strong winds prevalent in this region could affect power generation by causing dirt accumulation or physical damage to the panels respectively.
To mitigate these risks and ensure greater energy production over time from your installation, we recommend regular maintenance including cleaning of panels after heavy rainfalls to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on them which can block sunlight penetration effectively reducing their efficiency. Also consider installing robust mounting systems designed to withstand high wind loads thereby preventing potential damages from strong winds.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 6 locations across Guam. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Guam by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Tamuning
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.4396, Longitude: 144.781 (Tamuning, Guam), 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 12° South in Tamuning, Guam
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tamuning, Guam (Lat/Long 13.4396, 144.781) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 12° 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 Tamuning, Guam
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 Tamuning, Guam. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 12° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3° North in Summer | 19° South in Autumn | 29° South in Winter | 7° 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 Tamuning, Guam
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 Tamuning, Guam.
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 Tamuning, Guam
The topography around Tamuning, Guam is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Areas to the east and west of the city are most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations due to their flat terrain and abundant sunlight. The area surrounding Andersen Air Force Base to the north of Tamuning is also an ideal location for solar PV due to its sunny climate and relatively open space.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 30th of July 2023
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
