Solar PV Analysis of Cedarburg, United States
Cedarburg, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. The location's latitude and longitude (43.3033, -88.0017) contribute to significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
Solar energy output at this location varies considerably throughout the year. Summer months are the most productive, with an average daily output of 6.38 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.25 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 3.27 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.19 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy year-round in Cedarburg. However, the relatively high output during spring and summer months makes solar a viable option for supplementing energy needs, especially during these peak seasons.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Cedarburg, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the total annual energy yield, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors in Cedarburg can impact solar energy production:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency. Regular snow removal or the installation of panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue.
- Cloudy days, which are common in the region, especially during fall and winter, can reduce solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy production even in low-light conditions.
- Tree shading may be a concern in some areas of Cedarburg. Careful site selection and tree trimming can minimize this impact.
Preventative Measures
To enhance solar energy production in Cedarburg, consider the following measures:
- Install panels with anti-reflective coatings to improve light absorption on cloudy days.
- Use micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule, especially for snow removal in winter.
- Consider a ground-mounted system if roof conditions are not ideal, allowing for easier access and optimal positioning.
While Cedarburg's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a valuable component of a diversified energy strategy, particularly during the more productive 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 Cedarburg
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.3033, Longitude: -88.0017 (Cedarburg, 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 Cedarburg, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cedarburg, United States (Lat/Long 43.3033, -88.0017) 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 Cedarburg, 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 Cedarburg, 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 | 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 Cedarburg, 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 Cedarburg, 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 Cedarburg, United States
The topography around Cedarburg, Wisconsin, which is located at 43.3033°N latitude and 88.0017°W longitude, is generally characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the Eastern Ridges and Lowlands geographical region of Wisconsin, which was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age.
The landscape surrounding Cedarburg features a mix of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered wetlands. The terrain is not particularly steep or mountainous, with elevation changes typically being gradual rather than abrupt. The city itself sits at an elevation of about 800 feet (244 meters) above sea level, and the surrounding areas don't deviate dramatically from this height.
To the east of Cedarburg, the land slopes gently towards Lake Michigan, which is approximately 10 miles away. To the west, the terrain becomes slightly more varied as it transitions into the Kettle Moraine region, known for its distinctive glacial features such as kettles (depressions formed by melting ice blocks) and moraines (ridges of glacial debris).
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the following considerations are important:
The relatively flat agricultural lands to the north and west of Cedarburg could be well-suited for solar farms. These areas often have large, open fields with minimal shading from trees or buildings, which is ideal for maximizing solar exposure. The gently rolling nature of the terrain in these directions would not significantly impede solar panel placement or efficiency.
Areas to the south and southeast of Cedarburg, towards Milwaukee, might be less suitable due to increasing urbanization and higher land costs. However, there may be opportunities for large-scale solar installations on former industrial sites or brownfields in these more developed regions.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV in much of the surrounding area, other factors such as local zoning laws, grid connection availability, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects near Cedarburg.
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: Thursday 12th of September 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.
