Solar PV Analysis of Cameron Park, United States
Cameron Park, California, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a generally favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Cameron Park, with an impressive daily output of 8.52 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 7.42 kWh/day. These seasons provide ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy harvesting.
Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar output, dropping to 4.78 kWh/day. Winter presents the most challenging period for solar energy generation, with production falling to 2.86 kWh/day per kW installed. Despite this seasonal dip, Cameron Park still maintains a respectable year-round solar potential.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Cameron Park, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and the Earth's orbital variations.
Environmental Considerations
While Cameron Park generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Wildfire smoke: California's wildfire season can temporarily reduce solar efficiency due to atmospheric particulates.
- Tree shading: The area's natural vegetation might cast shadows on solar panels, particularly in residential settings.
Mitigation Strategies
To address these potential challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
1. Regular panel cleaning: Implement a cleaning schedule to remove dust and wildfire residue, maintaining optimal panel efficiency.
2. Strategic panel placement: Conduct thorough site assessments to minimize shading from trees and structures, potentially incorporating tree trimming where necessary.
3. Microinverter technology: Utilize microinverters or power optimizers to mitigate the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
By implementing these strategies, solar installations in Cameron Park can maximize their energy production potential, making the most of the location's generally favorable solar conditions throughout the year.
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 Cameron Park
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.6439, Longitude: -120.9636 (Cameron Park, 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 33° South in Cameron Park, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cameron Park, United States (Lat/Long 38.6439, -120.9636) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Cameron Park, 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 Cameron Park, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° 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 | 31° 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 Cameron Park, 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 Cameron Park, 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 Cameron Park, United States
The topography around Cameron Park, located in El Dorado County, California, is characterized by rolling hills and gentle slopes. This area is situated in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which gives it a varied and picturesque landscape. The elevation of Cameron Park itself is approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, but the surrounding terrain features a mix of higher and lower elevations.
To the west of Cameron Park, the land gradually descends towards the Sacramento Valley, becoming flatter and more open. To the east, the terrain becomes more rugged and mountainous as it transitions into the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. The area is dotted with oak woodlands, grasslands, and scattered pine forests, creating a diverse ecosystem.
Several creeks and small rivers run through the region, carving shallow valleys and creating natural drainage systems. These waterways contribute to the undulating nature of the landscape and add to its scenic beauty.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider. The ideal locations would have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from trees or other obstacles.
Based on these criteria, the areas to the west of Cameron Park, as the land transitions into the Sacramento Valley, would likely be more suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas tend to have more open spaces, fewer trees, and flatter terrain, which are all advantageous for solar installations. The gradually descending landscape in this direction also provides good sun exposure throughout the day.
However, it's important to note that specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations for solar PV projects. Factors such as land ownership, zoning regulations, proximity to power infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar installations in the region.
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: Friday 2nd of August 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.
