Solar PV Analysis of Beechgrove, United States
Beechgrove, Tennessee offers reasonably good conditions for solar energy generation throughout most of the year, though like many locations in the Northern Temperate Zone, it experiences significant seasonal variation in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer represents the peak solar season at this location, with panels generating 6.27 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. This makes summer the most productive time for solar energy generation. Spring follows as the second-best season with 5.65 kWh/day per kW, offering nearly as much solar potential as summer months.
Autumn sees a notable decline in solar production to 4.25 kWh/day per kW, while winter presents the most challenging conditions with only 2.57 kWh/day per kW. This winter reduction to roughly 40% of summer output is typical for locations at this latitude in the Northern Temperate Zone.
For fixed panel installations at Beechgrove, the optimal tilt angle is 31 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes total year-round energy production by balancing the sun's changing position throughout the seasons.
Local Factors Affecting Solar Production
Several environmental and weather factors in Tennessee can impact solar panel performance at this location:
- Humidity and moisture: Tennessee's humid subtropical climate can lead to increased moisture buildup on panels, reducing efficiency
- Severe weather: The region experiences thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes, and ice storms that can damage panels or create temporary shading
- Tree coverage: Tennessee's heavily forested landscape means many properties have significant tree coverage that can create shading issues
- Atmospheric haze: High humidity levels can create atmospheric haze that reduces solar irradiance reaching the panels
Preventative Measures for Better Performance
To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies can help. Regular cleaning schedules become more important in humid climates to remove moisture, pollen, and organic debris that accumulate more quickly on panel surfaces.
Proper site selection and tree management are crucial. Conducting thorough shade analyses before installation and trimming or removing problematic vegetation can significantly improve performance. Installing panels with adequate spacing for air circulation helps reduce moisture-related issues.
Using robust mounting systems designed for high wind loads protects against severe weather damage. Some installers also recommend micro-inverters or power optimizers that can minimize the impact when individual panels are temporarily shaded or soiled.
Overall, while Beechgrove faces some regional challenges typical of the southeastern United States, proper planning and maintenance can help ensure solar installations perform well, particularly during the highly productive summer and spring seasons.
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 Beechgrove
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.627, Longitude: -86.2403 (Beechgrove, 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 Beechgrove, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Beechgrove, United States (Lat/Long 35.627, -86.2403) 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 Beechgrove, 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 Beechgrove, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° 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 Beechgrove, 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 Beechgrove, 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 Beechgrove, United States
Topographical Features Around Beechgrove
Beechgrove is situated in the heart of Tennessee's rolling countryside, characterized by gently undulating terrain typical of the Central Basin region. The area sits at a moderate elevation with gradual slopes and broad valleys that create a naturally varied landscape. This part of Tennessee features predominantly limestone bedrock beneath fertile soils, contributing to the region's agricultural heritage and relatively stable ground conditions.
The topography around Beechgrove consists of low hills interspersed with flat to gently sloping areas, creating a mosaic of different elevations within relatively short distances. Small creeks and seasonal waterways wind through the valleys, creating natural drainage patterns that have shaped the land over millennia. The terrain is generally well-drained, with occasional areas of richer bottomland near water sources.
Forested areas dot the landscape, particularly on steeper slopes and in areas less suitable for agriculture. These wooded sections typically contain mixed hardwood species common to Middle Tennessee, while more open areas have historically been used for farming and pasture. The overall relief is moderate, with elevation changes that are noticeable but not dramatic, creating a pleasant rolling character to the countryside.
Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development
The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Beechgrove would be the broader, flatter valley areas and gentle south-facing slopes. These areas offer the dual advantages of easier construction access and optimal solar exposure throughout the day. The relatively stable geological conditions provided by the limestone bedrock make foundation work more predictable and cost-effective for large installations.
Open agricultural fields and former pastureland present excellent opportunities for solar development, as these areas typically have minimal tree cover and established access roads. The gently rolling nature of much of the terrain means that large, relatively flat parcels can be found without extensive grading or earthwork, reducing development costs and environmental impact.
Areas with southern exposure on gradual slopes would be particularly advantageous, as they naturally orient solar panels toward optimal sun angles. The moderate topography means that shading from adjacent hills is generally not a significant concern, especially for installations positioned in the broader valley areas. Additionally, the existing agricultural infrastructure in many locations provides convenient access to electrical transmission lines and road networks necessary for large-scale solar facilities.
The combination of suitable terrain, good drainage, stable soils, and existing infrastructure makes the Beechgrove area well-positioned for solar energy development, with numerous potential sites that could accommodate substantial installations while minimizing environmental disruption and development costs.
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: Thursday 31st of July 2025
Last Updated: Friday 8th of August 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.
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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.
