Solar PV Analysis of Collinsville, United States
Collinsville, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (38.6831, -89.9842) contribute to varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
Solar energy output at this location fluctuates significantly between seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.59 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.42 kWh/day. Autumn sees a decrease in production, averaging 4.01 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.44 kWh/day.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal time for solar energy production in Collinsville is during the summer months, typically from June to August. This period offers longer daylight hours and higher sun angles, maximizing solar panel efficiency. Spring months (March to May) also provide favorable conditions for solar generation. While autumn and winter months see reduced output, they still contribute to overall annual energy production.
Panel Installation and Optimization
For fixed panel installations in Collinsville, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude, taking into account daily solar elevation angles and weighted by daily PV potential using NASA's solar irradiance data.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Collinsville's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Seasonal snowfall: Winter snow accumulation on panels can temporarily reduce energy output.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, which can affect solar radiation reaching the panels.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these factors and ensure optimal energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar panels:
- Install panels at the recommended 34-degree tilt to promote natural snow sliding and maximize year-round production.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule, especially during winter months, to remove snow accumulation.
- Consider using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions to counteract the effects of cloud cover.
By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar PV systems in Collinsville can effectively harness the available solar energy throughout the year, despite seasonal variations.
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 Collinsville
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.6831, Longitude: -89.9842 (Collinsville, 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 34° South in Collinsville, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Collinsville, United States (Lat/Long 38.6831, -89.9842) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Collinsville, 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 Collinsville, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° 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 | 32° 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 Collinsville, 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 Collinsville, 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 Collinsville, United States
The topography around Collinsville, Illinois, located at latitude 38.6831 and longitude -89.9842, is generally characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the American Midwest. This area is part of the vast Illinois prairie, which was shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. The landscape is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys.
The region surrounding Collinsville is situated in the American Bottom, a wide floodplain of the Mississippi River. As you move east from the river, the land gradually rises into uplands. The elevation changes are generally subtle, with most of the area lying between 400 and 600 feet above sea level. Small streams and creeks crisscross the landscape, creating minor variations in the otherwise level terrain.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found in the open, rural spaces surrounding Collinsville. These locations offer several advantages:
- Flat or gently sloping land: The relatively level terrain makes it easier and more cost-effective to install large arrays of solar panels.
- Open fields: Agricultural areas and former farmlands provide expansive, unobstructed spaces ideal for solar farms.
- Minimal shading: The lack of tall natural features or dense forests reduces concerns about shading, which can impact solar panel efficiency.
- Proximity to infrastructure: The area's developed nature means that electrical grid connections and transportation routes are readily available.
Specific locations that might be particularly well-suited for solar PV development include:
- Areas to the east and northeast of Collinsville, where there are extensive agricultural lands with minimal tree cover.
- Regions south of the city, extending towards Lebanon and Mascoutah, which offer similar flat, open landscapes.
- Reclaimed mining sites or brownfields in the vicinity, which could be repurposed for solar energy production.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV installations 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: Wednesday 18th 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.
