Solar PV Analysis of Barberton, United States
Barberton, Ohio, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's potential for solar PV production varies significantly across seasons, reflecting the typical climate patterns of the region.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.00 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.40 kWh/day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for solar energy production, with longer days and more direct sunlight.
However, the picture changes dramatically in autumn and winter. Autumn sees a substantial drop to 3.29 kWh/day, while winter production plummets to a mere 1.79 kWh/day. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of year-round solar energy generation in Barberton's climate.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 35-degree angle facing south. This optimal tilt helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Barberton:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
- Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, can limit solar exposure
- Potential for severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, may pose risks to solar installations
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off
- Use high-quality, weather-resistant panels designed for harsh climates
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule, especially after snowfall
- Consider a ground-mounted system for easier access and maintenance
While Barberton's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and preventative measures can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area.
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 Barberton
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.0188, Longitude: -81.6174 (Barberton, 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 35° South in Barberton, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Barberton, United States (Lat/Long 41.0188, -81.6174) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Barberton, 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 Barberton, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 34° 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 Barberton, 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 Barberton, 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 Barberton, United States
The topography around Barberton, Ohio, in the United States is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Midwestern landscape. This area is part of the Appalachian Plateau, which marks the transition between the flatter plains to the west and the more rugged Appalachian Mountains to the east. The terrain features a mix of low-lying areas along rivers and streams, interspersed with modest elevations and ridges.
Barberton itself sits in a relatively flat area near the Tuscarawas River, with elevations gradually increasing as you move away from the river valley. The surrounding countryside includes a combination of urban and suburban development, agricultural land, and patches of forest. The topography is not dramatically steep or mountainous, but rather consists of gentle slopes and undulating terrain.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered. Ideal locations for solar farms typically include flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or structures. Based on the topography of the region, some potential areas for solar PV development might include:
1. Agricultural lands: The open fields and farmlands surrounding Barberton could provide suitable sites for solar installations, as they often offer large, unobstructed areas with good sun exposure.
2. Former industrial sites or brownfields: The region has a history of industrial activity, and some abandoned or underutilized industrial areas could be repurposed for solar energy production.
3. Gently sloping hillsides: South-facing slopes in the area could be advantageous for solar panel placement, as they naturally orient towards the sun's path.
4. Cleared areas on higher ground: Some of the slightly elevated areas around Barberton might offer good solar potential, especially if they are already cleared of dense vegetation.
It's important to note that while the topography around Barberton is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 14th 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.
