Solar PV Analysis of Brookfield, United States
Brookfield, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed opportunity for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city's position at latitude 43.0648 and longitude -88.0945 experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Brookfield, with an impressive daily output of 6.38 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.25 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in production, with autumn yielding 3.27 kWh/day and winter falling to a mere 2.19 kWh/day.
This stark contrast between seasons indicates that solar energy systems in Brookfield will perform exceptionally well during the warmer months but struggle to maintain high output during the winter. Homeowners and businesses considering solar installations should factor in this seasonal variability when planning their energy needs and system sizing.
Optimal Panel Placement
To maximize year-round solar production in Brookfield, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Brookfield's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could impact system performance:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency, requiring regular clearing to maintain output.
- Cloudy days, particularly common in autumn and winter, can diminish solar generation.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding and opt for high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Additionally, implementing a robust cleaning and maintenance schedule can help ensure optimal performance year-round.
In conclusion, while Brookfield's location presents challenges for consistent solar energy production throughout the year, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable and beneficial energy option for the 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 Brookfield
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.0648, Longitude: -88.0945 (Brookfield, 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 37° South in Brookfield, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Brookfield, United States (Lat/Long 43.0648, -88.0945) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Brookfield, 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 Brookfield, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 36° 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 Brookfield, 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 Brookfield, 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 Brookfield, United States
The topography around Brookfield, Wisconsin (located at 43.0648°N, 88.0945°W) is characterized by gently rolling hills and plains, typical of the glaciated landscape found in southeastern Wisconsin. This area is part of the Eastern Ridges and Lowlands geographical region, which was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age.
The terrain in and around Brookfield features a mix of low-lying areas and subtle elevations, with occasional small hills and ridges. The elevation generally ranges from about 800 to 900 feet above sea level. The landscape is dotted with numerous small lakes, ponds, and wetlands, remnants of the glacial retreat. The Fox River, a major waterway in the region, flows nearby to the west of Brookfield.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas in the vicinity of Brookfield would likely be found in the more rural and agricultural lands to the west and southwest of the city. These areas tend to have larger, open spaces with fewer obstructions and less urban development. Ideal locations would include:
- Former agricultural fields or pastures that are relatively flat and free from significant tree cover
- Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest, which can maximize solar exposure throughout the day
- Brownfield sites or unused industrial areas that offer large, unobstructed spaces
It's important to note that while the topography in this region is generally favorable for solar installations, other factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV projects.
Additionally, care should be taken to avoid wetlands, protected natural areas, and prime agricultural lands when considering potential sites for solar development. The region's occasional cloudy weather and seasonal variations in sunlight should also be factored into any solar energy planning in this area.
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: Saturday 27th 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.
