Solar PV Analysis of Amelia, United States
The location of Amelia, Ohio, in the United States, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Amelia, with an impressive average of 6.22 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.52 kWh/day/kW. These warmer months present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy output.
Autumn sees a noticeable decline in solar production, with an average of 3.77 kWh/day/kW. Winter experiences the lowest output, dropping to 2.18 kWh/day/kW, primarily due to shorter days and less intense sunlight.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To achieve the best year-round solar energy production in Amelia, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Amelia's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Ohio experiences moderate snowfall in winter, which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue.
- Cloud cover: The region may experience periods of overcast weather, particularly in autumn and winter. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy production even in less-than-ideal conditions.
To enhance solar production in Amelia, consider implementing a tracking system to follow the sun's path, although this comes with additional costs. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of panels, especially after snowfall or during pollen season, can help maintain optimal performance.
Overall, while Amelia, Ohio, may not offer year-round ideal conditions for solar energy production, it still presents a viable opportunity for renewable energy generation, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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 Amelia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.0235, Longitude: -84.2083 (Amelia, 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 34° South in Amelia, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Amelia, United States (Lat/Long 39.0235, -84.2083) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Amelia, 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 Amelia, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° 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 Amelia, 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 Amelia, United States.
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 Amelia, United States
The area around Amelia, United States (located at 39.0235° N, 84.2083° W) is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Ohio River Valley region. This part of southwestern Ohio features a mix of rural and suburban landscapes with elevations generally ranging from about 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level.
The topography is the result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which left behind a mix of glacial till and sedimentary deposits. The land is not particularly steep or mountainous, but it does have a noticeable undulating quality. Small streams and creeks crisscross the area, carving shallow valleys between the low hills.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping land
- South-facing orientation
- Minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Easy access to existing power infrastructure
- Not prime agricultural land or ecologically sensitive areas
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Amelia would likely be found on the tops of the broader, flatter hills or in open fields that are not currently used for high-value agriculture. Former industrial sites or brownfields could also be good candidates for solar development.
Areas to the south and east of Amelia, where the terrain tends to be slightly flatter and more open, might offer better opportunities for large solar installations. However, a detailed site-specific analysis would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations, taking into account factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to power lines, and environmental considerations.
It's worth noting that while the rolling topography of the region may present some challenges for very large solar farms, it does not preclude smaller to medium-sized installations, which could be well-suited to the available land in the area surrounding Amelia.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 3rd of August 2024
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.
