Solar PV Analysis of Coquille, United States
Coquille, Oregon, located in the United States at latitude 43.1837 and longitude -124.2024, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy generation in Coquille is most effective during the summer months, with an average daily output of 6.79 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 5.88 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a considerable drop to 3.44 kWh/day, while winter performance is notably low at just 1.77 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Coquille's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The substantial difference between summer and winter output suggests that solar energy users in this area may need to rely on alternative energy sources or energy storage solutions during the colder, darker months.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those installing fixed solar panels in Coquille, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 36 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
Several environmental factors in Coquille could potentially impact solar energy production:
- Cloud cover: The Pacific Northwest is known for its frequent overcast conditions, particularly in fall and winter. This can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Rainfall: Coquille experiences substantial rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel output.
- Coastal fog: Being near the coast, morning fog is common and may delay peak solar production times.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove any salt spray or debris that may accumulate on panels.
- Install a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues.
- Consider adding a small wind turbine to complement solar production, especially during cloudy or foggy periods.
While Coquille's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and installation can still make solar PV a viable part of a diversified energy strategy in this area.
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 Coquille
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.1837, Longitude: -124.2024 (Coquille, 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 36° South in Coquille, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Coquille, United States (Lat/Long 43.1837, -124.2024) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Coquille, 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 Coquille, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° 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 | 46° South in Autumn | 57° 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 Coquille, 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 Coquille, 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 Coquille, United States
The topography around Coquille, Oregon (located at 43.1837°N, 124.2024°W) is characterized by a mix of coastal lowlands and rolling hills. Coquille sits in the Coquille River Valley, which is surrounded by the Coast Range mountains. The immediate area around the town is relatively flat, with elevations gradually increasing as you move away from the river.
To the west of Coquille, the land remains relatively low-lying as it approaches the Pacific coast, about 15 miles away. This coastal plain is dotted with small hills, wetlands, and dunes. Moving east from Coquille, the terrain becomes more rugged and forested, with steeper hills and deeper valleys typical of the Coast Range.
The Coquille River meanders through the valley, creating a floodplain that has been largely converted to agricultural use. This river valley is flanked by forested hillsides that rise to elevations of several hundred feet above sea level. The overall landscape is a patchwork of farmland, forests, and small communities nestled in the valleys and along the river.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the options are somewhat limited due to the topography and land use patterns. However, there are a few possibilities to consider:
- The relatively flat agricultural lands in the Coquille River Valley could potentially accommodate solar arrays, though this would involve converting productive farmland.
- Some of the gentler hillsides to the east of Coquille, where they face south or southwest, might be suitable for solar installations. These areas would need to be carefully selected to minimize environmental impact and avoid steep slopes.
- Cleared or previously logged areas in the surrounding forests could be repurposed for solar farms, provided they have suitable sun exposure and are accessible for construction and maintenance.
- The coastal plain to the west, while often foggy, might have some suitable locations for solar installations, particularly on slightly elevated areas with good drainage.
It's important to note that the Pacific Northwest, including the Coquille area, is known for its frequent cloud cover and rain, which can reduce the efficiency of solar power generation. Any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider these climate factors, as well as the environmental and land-use implications of such development.
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: Tuesday 6th 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.
