Solar PV Analysis of Dallas, United States
In Dallas, Texas, United States (latitude: 32.7889, longitude: -96.8021), solar power generation is a viable option throughout the year due to its varying seasonal energy production rates. During summer, an average of 6.86 kWh per day per kW of installed solar can be expected, thanks to longer days and higher temperatures that provide ample sunlight for harnessing energy from the sun's rays. In autumn, this figure drops slightly to 4.96 kWh per day per kW of installed solar; in winter it further decreases to 3.06 kWh; and in spring it rises again to 5.34 kWh per day per kW of installed solar as daylight hours increase and temperatures become milder compared to winter months.
To optimize energy production at this location, it is recommended that solar panels are tilted at an angle of 29 degrees facing southwards.
However, certain environmental factors may pose challenges for efficient solar power generation in Dallas. Heavy rain or snowfall can obstruct sunlight reaching the panels and reduce their efficiency in producing energy from the sun's rays. Strong winds might also cause dust or debris accumulation on the panels' surface which could hinder their ability to absorb light efficiently and consequently decrease their output capacity.
Extreme heat waves may lead to overheating issues with system components resulting in reduced performance levels overall.
To mitigate these potential obstacles when installing a solar power system in Dallas, Texas, consider implementing preventative measures such as regular cleaning and maintenance of the panels to remove any accumulated dust or debris; ensuring proper ventilation around system components for optimal temperature regulation during extreme weather conditions; and selecting high-quality equipment designed specifically for handling harsh environments if necessary.
By taking these precautions into account during installation planning stages, you can help ensure greater energy production from your solar power system despite any local environmental challenges that may arise throughout the year in Dallas.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Dallas
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.7889, Longitude: -96.8021 (Dallas, 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 29° South in Dallas, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dallas, United States (Lat/Long 32.7889, -96.8021) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17° South in Summer | 38° South in Autumn | 48° South in Winter | 26° 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, United States
The topography around Dallas is generally flat, with some rolling hills and small mountains to the north and west. The terrain is not particularly well suited for large-scale solar PV installations, as it does not have much elevation change or open space. However, there are several areas nearby that could be suitable for such projects. Areas along the Trinity River in Fort Worth and Arlington could provide ample open space for larger solar arrays. Additionally, parts of Denton County just north of Dallas are relatively flat and offer plenty of open land for development. Further south near Waxahachie, Ellis County has some more rolling hills which may also be suitable for certain types of solar array designs.
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: Wednesday 10th of August 2022
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.
