Solar PV Analysis of Caledonia, United States
Caledonia, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. The location's potential for solar power production varies significantly throughout the year, with distinct seasonal patterns.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.24 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.20 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a considerable drop to 3.17 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 1.80 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the substantial fluctuations in solar energy potential across seasons. The long, sunny days of summer provide ideal conditions for solar power generation, making it the prime time for maximizing solar output in Caledonia.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 37-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the sun's changing position throughout the year and aims to capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Caledonia's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Wisconsin winters can bring significant snowfall, which may temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular snow removal or the installation of panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloud cover, especially during winter months, which can impact solar energy production. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy capture even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Despite these challenges, preventative measures such as proper panel placement, regular maintenance, and the use of advanced solar technologies can help ensure optimal energy production at this location. Overall, while not ideal year-round, Caledonia offers good potential for solar energy generation, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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 Caledonia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.8329, Longitude: -87.9208 (Caledonia, 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 Caledonia, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Caledonia, United States (Lat/Long 42.8329, -87.9208) 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 Caledonia, 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 Caledonia, 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 | 57° South in Winter | 35° 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 Caledonia, 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 Caledonia, 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 Caledonia, United States
The area around Caledonia, United States, located at 42.8329 degrees North latitude and 87.9208 degrees West longitude, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwest region. This part of Wisconsin sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, which influences the local topography.
The landscape in and around Caledonia consists of low hills and shallow valleys, with elevations generally ranging from about 600 to 800 feet above sea level. The terrain is a result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which left behind a mix of glacial till and deposits. This created a subtle, undulating landscape rather than dramatic elevation changes.
Several small rivers and streams run through the area, including the Root River, which flows eastward towards Lake Michigan. These waterways have carved gentle valleys in the terrain over time. The shoreline of Lake Michigan, located just a few miles to the east of Caledonia, features low bluffs and some sandy beaches.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the relatively flat to gently sloping terrain in the region offers several potential locations. The most promising areas would likely be found in the rural parts of Racine County and neighboring counties, where there are expanses of open agricultural land.
Ideal sites for solar PV would include:
- Large, open fields with minimal shading from trees or structures
- South-facing slopes, which receive more direct sunlight throughout the day
- Areas away from residential zones to minimize visual impact
- Locations with easy access to existing electrical infrastructure
The agricultural areas to the west and southwest of Caledonia could be particularly suitable, as they offer vast stretches of relatively flat land. However, any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with the preservation of valuable farmland and local ecosystems.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV in this region, other factors such as local zoning regulations, grid capacity, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility and exact locations of large-scale solar installations.
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 24th 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.
