Breese, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. With coordinates of 38.6225° N latitude and 89.5266° W longitude, this location experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Breese, with an impressive daily output of 6.59 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 5.42 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.01 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.44 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy potential in this region. Despite the winter dip, the location still maintains a respectable year-round average, making it a viable option for solar PV installations.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Breese, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Breese offers good potential for solar energy generation, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Snowfall: Winter months may see occasional snowfall, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended angle helps with snow shedding.
• Cloud cover: The region experiences partly cloudy conditions, particularly in winter and early spring, which can affect solar output.

To mitigate these factors, consider using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal when necessary, can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, incorporating a battery storage system can help balance out the seasonal variations in energy production.

Overall, while Breese may not offer ideal year-round conditions for solar energy generation, it still presents a favorable location for solar PV installations. The strong summer and spring performance can offset the winter decline, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to harness renewable energy in this part of Illinois.

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 Breese

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.6225, Longitude: -89.5266 (Breese, 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 34° South in Breese, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Breese, United States (Lat/Long 38.6225, -89.5266) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Breese, 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 Breese, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° 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	32° 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 Breese, 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 Breese, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Breese, United States

The topography around Breese, Illinois, United States is characterized by gently rolling plains typical of the Midwest region. Located in Clinton County, Breese sits in an area that was shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago, resulting in a relatively flat landscape with subtle undulations. The terrain is predominantly composed of fertile prairie land, interspersed with small patches of woodland and occasional streams or creeks. The elevation in and around Breese is generally low, ranging from about 420 to 460 feet above sea level. This subtle variation in elevation creates a softly undulating landscape, with shallow valleys and low hills. The area is part of the larger American Bottom region, which extends eastward to the Mississippi River floodplain.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain around Breese offers numerous potential sites for solar farms. The most suitable areas would likely be found on the slightly elevated portions of land, away from any low-lying areas prone to flooding or excessive moisture. Open farmland, which is abundant in the region, presents ideal conditions for solar PV development. These areas typically have minimal shading from trees or buildings, allowing for maximum sun exposure throughout the day. The relatively flat nature of the land also reduces the need for extensive grading or earthwork during installation, potentially lowering construction costs. Areas to the south and west of Breese might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects, as they tend to have slightly higher elevations and more open spaces. However, it's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed assessments of factors such as soil conditions, proximity to power infrastructure, and local zoning regulations. While the entire region around Breese has potential for solar development, areas that are currently used for low-yield agriculture or grazing might be prime candidates for conversion to solar farms. These locations often have the necessary infrastructure in place, such as access roads and nearby power lines, which can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of establishing a large-scale solar PV installation.

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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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.