Aberdeen, Idaho, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal variations in solar output highlight both opportunities and challenges for those considering solar installations in this area.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.54 kWh per day output for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.49 kWh per day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and typically clearer skies.

However, the colder months see a significant drop in solar output. Autumn yields a moderate 3.95 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest production at just 2.15 kWh per day. This substantial seasonal variation is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and the sun's lower position in the sky during these months.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Aberdeen, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 36-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Aberdeen's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar production:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
• Dust and agricultural particulates from nearby farmlands may settle on panels, slightly decreasing their performance

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and implement regular cleaning routines. Additionally, investing in high-quality, durable panels capable of withstanding local weather conditions is advisable.

Overall, while Aberdeen experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize energy production throughout the year, making solar PV a viable option for this Idaho 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 4253 locations across the United States. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in the United States by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Aberdeen

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.9441, Longitude: -112.8383 (Aberdeen, United States), 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 Aberdeen, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aberdeen, United States (Lat/Long 42.9441, -112.8383) 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 Aberdeen, United States

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 Aberdeen, United States. 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
26° South in Summer	46° South in Autumn	57° South in Winter	36° 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 Aberdeen, United States

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 Aberdeen, United States.

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 Aberdeen, United States

The topography around Aberdeen, United States, located at latitude 42.9441 and longitude -112.8383, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape typical of the Snake River Plain in southeastern Idaho. This area is part of a broad, low-lying basin that was formed by ancient volcanic activity and subsequent erosion. The terrain surrounding Aberdeen is predominantly composed of gently rolling plains and agricultural fields, with minimal elevation changes across the immediate vicinity. To the west and northwest of Aberdeen, the land gradually rises towards the foothills of the Rockies, but this transition occurs over a considerable distance. The Snake River, a major geographical feature of the region, flows to the south of Aberdeen, carving a shallow valley through the plain. Small streams and irrigation canals crisscross the landscape, supporting the area's agricultural activities.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

The areas surrounding Aberdeen offer several favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The flat, open terrain provides ample space for solar arrays without the need for extensive land preparation. The lack of significant natural obstacles, such as mountains or dense forests, minimizes shading issues that could reduce solar panel efficiency. Regions to the south and southwest of Aberdeen would be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These areas benefit from slightly higher elevations and less agricultural development, potentially offering larger contiguous parcels of land for solar farms. The southern exposure in these locations would maximize sunlight capture throughout the day. Additionally, the semi-arid climate of the region, characterized by abundant sunshine and relatively low precipitation, creates ideal conditions for solar energy production. The clear skies and high number of sunny days per year contribute to the area's potential for generating significant amounts of solar power. However, it's important to note that while the topography and climate are favorable, other factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the vicinity of Aberdeen.

United States solar PV Stats as a country

United States ranks 2nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 95,209 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of United States's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 26th in the world). Each year United States is generating 289 Watts from solar PV per capita (United States ranks 15th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in United States?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the United States. These include federal tax credits, state and local rebates, net metering policies, and renewable energy certificates (RECs). Additionally, many states have enacted legislation that requires utilities to purchase a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources such as solar.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in United States? 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.