Solar PV Analysis of Broomfield, United States
Broomfield, Colorado, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar energy production throughout the year. With its geographical coordinates at 39.8831° N latitude and 105.1122° W longitude, this location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panel efficiency in Broomfield fluctuates with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, generating an impressive 7.11 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, with a daily output of 6.02 kWh/kW. Autumn sees a moderate decline to 4.56 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 3.24 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal changes on solar energy generation in this region. However, the relatively high output during spring and autumn contributes to a favorable overall annual performance.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Broomfield, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 36-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude, the sun's changing position throughout the year, and local solar irradiance data.
Environmental Considerations
While Broomfield's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Occasional hailstorms may pose a risk to panel integrity
To mitigate these issues, installers can implement preventative measures such as using durable, hail-resistant panels and installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially after snowfall, can help maintain optimal performance.
Despite these challenges, Broomfield's abundant sunshine and relatively mild climate make it a suitable location for solar energy production throughout the year, with peak performance during the longer days of spring and summer.
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 Broomfield
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.8831, Longitude: -105.1122 (Broomfield, 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 36° South in Broomfield, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Broomfield, United States (Lat/Long 39.8831, -105.1122) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Broomfield, 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 Broomfield, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 33° 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 Broomfield, 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 Broomfield, 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 Broomfield, United States
The topography around Broomfield, Colorado, in the United States is characterized by a mix of gently rolling plains and more pronounced hills as you move westward. Broomfield itself sits at an elevation of about 5,420 feet (1,650 meters) above sea level, placing it in the transition zone between the Great Plains and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
To the east of Broomfield, the landscape is primarily flat to gently undulating, typical of the High Plains region. This area gradually slopes upward as you move west, with the terrain becoming increasingly hilly and varied. The western edge of Broomfield marks the beginning of the Front Range, where the plains meet the Rocky Mountains. Here, you'll find more dramatic changes in elevation, with steeper hills and rocky outcrops becoming more common.
Several creeks and small waterways cut through the area, creating shallow valleys and contributing to the local topography. Notable among these are Big Dry Creek and Rock Creek, which have carved subtle depressions in the landscape over time.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas east of Broomfield would generally be more suitable. The flatter, more open terrain of the plains provides several advantages for solar energy development:
- More consistent sun exposure throughout the day
- Fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels
- Easier and more cost-effective land development for large installations
- Better accessibility for construction and maintenance vehicles
Specifically, the rural areas to the northeast and east of Broomfield, extending towards Brighton and Denver International Airport, could offer prime locations for solar farms. These areas combine favorable topography with proximity to existing power infrastructure and major population centers that would consume the generated electricity.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with land use considerations, environmental impact assessments, and local zoning regulations. Additionally, while the eastern plains are generally more suitable, advances in solar technology are making it increasingly feasible to install efficient solar arrays on more varied terrain, potentially opening up additional areas for consideration in the future.
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 16th of October 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.
