Concordia, Kansas, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 39.5708, -97.6625, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in solar output highlight both opportunities and challenges for solar energy production in this area.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Concordia, with an impressive 7.25 kWh per day output for each kW of installed solar capacity. This high performance is due to longer daylight hours and the sun's higher position in the sky during summer months.

Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 5.47 kWh per day. This season offers a good balance of increasing daylight hours and moderate temperatures, making it an ideal time for solar energy production.

Autumn sees a decrease in solar output, producing 4.04 kWh per day. While still providing decent energy generation, the shorter days and lower sun angle begin to impact solar performance.

Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy production in Concordia, with only 2.75 kWh per day output. The combination of shorter days, lower sun angle, and potential snow cover contributes to this reduced performance.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Concordia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

While Concordia's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could impact solar panel efficiency:

• Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel output. Installing panels at the recommended 35-degree tilt can help snow slide off more easily.
• Dust and pollen during spring and summer may accumulate on panels, slightly reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.

To maximize solar energy production in Concordia, consider using tracking systems to follow the sun's path, especially during the productive summer months. Additionally, investing in high-efficiency panels and ensuring proper maintenance can help optimize energy generation 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 Concordia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.5708, Longitude: -97.6625 (Concordia, 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 35° South in Concordia, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Concordia, United States (Lat/Long 39.5708, -97.6625) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Concordia, 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 Concordia, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
23° 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 Concordia, 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 Concordia, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Concordia, United States

The topography around Concordia, Kansas, located at latitude 39.5708 and longitude -97.6625, is characterized by gently rolling plains typical of the Great Plains region. This area, situated in north-central Kansas, features a relatively flat landscape with subtle undulations and occasional low hills. The terrain is primarily composed of open grasslands and agricultural fields, with scattered patches of trees and vegetation along streams and rivers. The Republican River flows near Concordia, carving a shallow valley through the surrounding plains. This river and its tributaries have shaped the local landscape over time, creating subtle variations in elevation and soil composition. The area's elevation generally ranges from about 1,300 to 1,500 feet above sea level, with gradual changes across the region.

Solar PV Potential

The topography and climate of the Concordia area make it well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The relatively flat terrain provides ample space for solar arrays without the need for extensive land modification. Additionally, the region receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it an attractive location for solar energy production. Areas most suited for large-scale solar PV installations near Concordia would likely be found on the open plains surrounding the city. These locations offer several advantages: 1. Minimal shading: The lack of tall structures or dense forests means less obstruction of sunlight, maximizing solar panel efficiency. 2. Easy access: The flat terrain allows for straightforward construction and maintenance of solar facilities. 3. Available land: The predominantly agricultural landscape provides opportunities for repurposing or dual-use of land for both farming and solar energy production. 4. Proximity to infrastructure: Being near an established city like Concordia ensures access to necessary electrical grid connections and transportation networks. While specific site selection would require detailed analysis, the areas to the south and west of Concordia may be particularly promising for solar PV development. These regions tend to have slightly higher elevations and potentially fewer obstructions, which could enhance solar exposure and energy production efficiency. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to consider factors beyond topography, such as local zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and community engagement. However, the general landscape and climate conditions around Concordia provide a favorable foundation for solar energy development 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!

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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.