Solar PV Analysis of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan, located in the Northern Mariana Islands, is a highly suitable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation due to its consistent sunlight and high average daily energy yield. The average kilowatt-hour (kWh) per day per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar varies by season: 6.26 kWh in summer, 7.48 kWh in spring, with slightly lower yields of 5.74 kWh in autumn and 5.76 kWh in winter.
Situated within the tropics at latitude 15.2136 and longitude 145.7584, Saipan experiences stable sunlight exposure throughout the year which contributes to its favorable solar energy potential.
However, local conditions such as heavy rainfall or strong winds could potentially impede solar power generation by reducing light penetration or causing physical damage to panels respectively. To mitigate these risks while installing PV systems on Saipan, it's recommended to use durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and consider positioning panels at an optimal angle for maximum sunlight exposure.
The ideal tilt angle for fixed panel installations here is towards the south at an inclination of approximately 14 degrees from horizontal surface level - this optimizes incident sunlight on the panel surface throughout the year without needing tracking systems.
In conclusion, Saipan's location within tropical latitudes combined with appropriate installation practices presents significant potential for efficient year-round solar PV power generation despite some environmental challenges.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Saipan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 15.2136, Longitude: 145.7584 (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands), 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 14° South in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (Lat/Long 15.2136, 145.7584) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
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 Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1° North in Summer | 21° South in Autumn | 31° South in Winter | 9° 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 Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
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 Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
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 Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
The topography around Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands is mostly flat with some rolling hills and small mountains in the surrounding area. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations are those that have a good amount of direct sunlight and minimal shading from trees or other obstacles. Areas near the coast or on exposed ridges would be ideal locations for solar PV systems due to their higher exposure to sunlight.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 28th of November 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.
