Solar PV Analysis of Conrad, United States
Based on the data provided, Conrad, Iowa has varying potential for solar energy production throughout the year.
In simple terms, summer is the best time for generating solar power at this location because of longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight. On average, you can expect about 6.70 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels during this season.
Spring also offers good potential with an average output of 5.22 kWh/day per kW of installed solar panels due to increasing daylight hours and sun intensity as we move towards summer.
Autumn sees a decrease in output to about 3.59 kWh/day per kW because there are fewer daylight hours and less intense sunlight compared to summer and spring.
Winter is the least productive season for generating solar power at this location with an average output of only 2.62 kWh/day per kW due to shorter days and lower sun angle above the horizon.
For maximum year-round production from your solar panels in Conrad, they should ideally be tilted at an angle facing southward by 37 degrees from horizontal level which aligns them better with the path of the sun across sky over different seasons.
As far as local factors that could potentially impede solar energy production here are concerned, weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or frequent cloud cover could reduce sunlight exposure on your panels thereby lowering their output significantly. To mitigate these effects:
1) Consider installing a snow guard or similar device that can prevent accumulation on your panel surface.
2) Regular cleaning/maintenance will ensure that dust or debris do not block incoming sunlight.
3) If possible, choosing a site/location where your installation gets unobstructed access to sunlight most part of day would be ideal; avoid areas where shadows from nearby buildings or trees could fall on your panels especially during peak sunshine hours.
4) Use high-quality durable materials/components that can withstand local weather conditions and ensure efficient operation of your installation over time.
Remember, these are just guidelines based on average data; actual results may vary depending on specific local conditions and the quality of your solar panel system.
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 Conrad
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.233, Longitude: -92.8915 (Conrad, 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 Conrad, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Conrad, United States (Lat/Long 42.233, -92.8915) 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 Conrad, 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 Conrad, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 56° 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 Conrad, 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 Conrad, 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 Conrad, United States
Conrad, United States is located in the state of Iowa. The topography around Conrad is relatively flat with some gently rolling hills, as it is part of the Midwestern Prairies. There are also several bodies of water nearby including rivers and lakes.
The flat or gently sloping lands in this area would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. These areas provide ample sunlight exposure and easy installation conditions for solar panels. Also, agricultural fields which are not currently in use could potentially be converted into solar farms.
However, it's important to note that suitability for large-scale solar PV also depends on factors such as local climate, sun exposure (solar irradiance), land use restrictions and proximity to power grids for energy transmission. A detailed site-specific assessment would be required to identify the best locations for a large-scale solar PV project.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 9th of May 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.
