Solar PV Analysis of Antelope, United States
Based on the data provided, Antelope, California is a pretty good location for generating solar energy year-round. However, the amount of energy you can produce changes with each season. In simple terms, you will get more electricity from your solar panels in some parts of the year than others.
In summer and spring, you'll generate quite a lot of power - around 8.49 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 7.50 kWh per day in spring for every kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. This is because these seasons have longer days and more sunlight.
In autumn and winter though, the output drops to about 4.66 kWh/day in autumn and even lower to 2.82 kWh/day in winter due to shorter days and less sunlight.
To maximize your yearly total production from your solar panels at this location, it's recommended that they are tilted at an angle facing 33 degrees South.
Now let's talk about possible local factors that might affect how much power you can generate with your solar panels here:
Antelope has a Mediterranean climate which means hot dry summers but cool wet winters which could lead to less efficient production during those rainy months or if there’s heavy fog or cloud cover blocking the sun rays reaching your panel.
Also keep an eye out for dust build-up on the surface of your panels as it can reduce their efficiency too! Regular cleaning especially after periods without rain should help maintain optimal performance.
One other thing worth considering is potential shade issues caused by nearby buildings or trees – these could block sunlight from reaching your panels so be sure to select an installation site where such obstructions are minimal if not absent altogether!
So overall while Antelope does present some challenges for year-round optimal solar production mainly due to its seasonal weather variations; however with careful planning like appropriate panel tilt angle selection & regular maintenance along with strategic placement away from shading structures; it still remains a pretty viable location for solar energy generation.
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 Antelope
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.7169, Longitude: -121.3677 (Antelope, 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 33° South in Antelope, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Antelope, United States (Lat/Long 38.7169, -121.3677) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Antelope, 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 Antelope, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Antelope, 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 Antelope, 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 Antelope, United States
Antelope is located in Sacramento County, California. The topography of the area is relatively flat and low-lying, with an average elevation of about 46 feet above sea level. It's part of the Central Valley region of California, which is known for its generally flat terrain.
When it comes to large-scale solar PV installations, there are several factors that need to be considered including sunlight exposure (insolation), land availability and cost, proximity to transmission lines or substations, environmental impact and local regulations.
Given Antelope's location in sunny California and its relatively flat terrain, it could be a suitable location for large-scale solar PV installations. However, since it's a suburban area with significant residential development, available land might be limited or expensive.
Areas nearby that may be more suitable for large-scale solar PV would likely include less developed regions where land might be more readily available at lower costs. For instance:
1) The agricultural areas surrounding Sacramento County could potentially host large scale solar farms if they don't interfere with farming activities.
2) Areas towards the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Antelope may also have potential due to increased sun exposure although the sloping topography could present challenges.
3) Areas north towards Yuba or Sutter county which have vast undeveloped lands but still within reasonable distance from main power grid infrastructure.
It should also be noted that any specific project would require detailed feasibility studies taking into account all relevant factors including those mentioned earlier plus others like access roads etc.
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: Tuesday 9th 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.
