Solar PV Analysis of Ames, United States
Ames, Iowa, in the United States is a decent location for generating solar energy throughout the year. However, it's not perfect and does have some seasonal variability.
In simple terms, you can expect to generate different amounts of electricity from your solar panels depending on the season. The most productive season is summer when you'll get around 6.87 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. Spring comes second with 5.33 kWh/day per kW followed by Autumn with 3.62 kWh/day per kW and Winter being the least productive at 2.54 kWh/day per kW.
This means that if you're planning to use solar energy in Ames, Iowa, you'll get the most bang for your buck during summer and springtime when sunlight hours are longer and more intense compared to other seasons.
To maximize your total yearly production from these panels, they should be tilted at an angle facing south by about 36 degrees - this will make sure they catch as much sunlight as possible over the course of a year.
However, there could be factors that might affect how much energy your panels can produce such as weather conditions or environmental issues specific to Ames, Iowa like snow cover in winter which could block sunlight or thunderstorms that might damage equipment.
Preventative measures include regular maintenance checks especially before winter starts to ensure snow doesn't pile up on top of your panels blocking out sunlight; installing protective covers against hailstones during stormy periods; positioning panels away from tall trees or buildings that may cast shadows over them thus limiting their exposure to sunshine among others.
Remember though while these measures may help increase output somewhat overall it's still important to note that due to its geographical location Ames will never be an absolute ideal spot for generating power via solar PV compared say desert locations closer towards equator where sun intensity is maximized all year round.
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 Ames
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.0514, Longitude: -93.6908 (Ames, 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 Ames, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ames, United States (Lat/Long 42.0514, -93.6908) 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 Ames, 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 Ames, 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 | 56° South in Winter | 35° 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 Ames, 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 Ames, 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 Ames, United States
Ames, United States is located in the state of Iowa. The topography around Ames is primarily flat or gently rolling plains. This region is part of the larger Central Lowland region of the United States which features fertile soil primarily used for agriculture.
The relatively flat landscape and abundant sunlight make this area potentially suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most suited areas would likely be open fields with minimal shading from trees or other structures, where solar panels can receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.
However, it's also important to consider factors like proximity to power grids for energy transmission, local climate conditions that might affect panel efficiency (like frequency and intensity of rainfall), land use regulations, and potential impact on local ecosystems or agricultural activities.
It's always advisable to conduct a detailed site-specific assessment before planning any large-scale renewable energy projects.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 27th of March 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.
