Solar PV Analysis of Angier, United States
The location in North Carolina, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a reasonably good environment for solar energy production throughout the year. However, the efficiency of solar PV systems varies significantly across seasons due to changes in daylight hours and sun angle.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with solar panels generating an impressive 6.60 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 6.05 kWh/day per kW. These seasons benefit from longer daylight hours and higher sun angles, making them ideal for solar energy generation.
Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production, with 4.48 kWh/day per kW. This reduction is due to shorter days and lower sun angles as winter approaches. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.82 kWh/day per kW, primarily because of the shortest daylight hours and the sun's lowest position in the sky.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting the panels at a 31-degree angle facing south will maximize year-round energy production. This angle is calculated based on the site's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring optimal sunlight capture throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While the location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider. The area's gently rolling hills and mixed forest cover could potentially cast shadows on solar panels, especially during winter when the sun is lower in the sky. To mitigate this, careful site selection and possibly some selective tree trimming may be necessary.
The region's climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, is generally conducive to solar energy production. However, occasional severe weather events like hurricanes or heavy thunderstorms could temporarily impact solar output. Installing sturdy mounting systems and using high-quality, weather-resistant panels can help protect against these risks.
Lastly, the area's relatively high humidity levels might lead to more frequent cleaning requirements for the panels to maintain optimal efficiency. Regular maintenance and cleaning schedules should be implemented to ensure consistent energy production.
In conclusion, while this North Carolina location faces some challenges, particularly during winter months, it offers strong potential for solar energy production, especially during spring and summer. With proper installation techniques and regular maintenance, a solar PV system here can provide significant energy output throughout the year.
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 Angier
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.4877, Longitude: -78.7229 (Angier, 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 31° South in Angier, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Angier, United States (Lat/Long 35.4877, -78.7229) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Angier, 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 Angier, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 51° South in Winter | 28° 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 Angier, 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 Angier, 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 Angier, United States
The topography around Angier, North Carolina, United States (35.4877, -78.7229) is generally characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the Piedmont region, which lies between the coastal plains to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west.
Key features of the topography include:
1. Gentle slopes: The landscape consists of low, rolling hills with gradual elevation changes.
2. River valleys: The area is part of the Cape Fear River basin, with several smaller streams and creeks running through the region.
3. Mixed forests: The land is often covered with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, interspersed with cleared areas for agriculture and development.
4. Elevation: The average elevation in the Angier area is around 200-300 feet (60-90 meters) above sea level.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the following nearby areas would be most suitable:
1. Open agricultural land: Flat or gently sloping farmland that is no longer in active use would be ideal for solar installations.
2. Cleared forest areas: Large, cleared areas that are not prime agricultural land could be repurposed for solar farms.
3. Brownfield sites: Former industrial or commercial sites that are no longer in use could be excellent locations for solar installations.
4. Areas with southern exposure: Gently sloping land facing south would receive optimal sunlight throughout the day.
5. Locations near existing power infrastructure: Areas close to power lines and substations would reduce the cost of connecting to the grid.
6. Land with minimal environmental sensitivity: Areas that do not contain protected habitats or endangered species would be preferable.
When considering specific locations, it's important to conduct thorough site assessments, including soil stability, drainage, and potential shading from nearby trees or structures. Additionally, local zoning laws and regulations should be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV installations.
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: Wednesday 17th of July 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.
