Solar PV Analysis of Dalton, United States
The location of Dalton, Ohio, in the United States, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.14 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.44 kWh daily. These warmer months offer ideal conditions for solar energy production, with longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in output, dropping to 3.55 kWh per day. Winter presents the biggest challenge, with production plummeting to just 1.89 kWh daily. This significant reduction is due to shorter days, lower sun angles, and potentially increased cloud cover.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 35-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the changing solar elevation throughout the year and helps to capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Dalton's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could impact efficiency:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel output
- Cloudy days, particularly common in autumn and winter, may decrease production
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and ensuring regular maintenance can help maximize output even during less ideal conditions.
Overall, while Dalton experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, proper installation techniques and panel positioning can help ensure consistent energy production throughout the year, with summer and spring being particularly productive seasons.
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 Dalton
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.7989, Longitude: -81.6954 (Dalton, 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 Dalton, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dalton, United States (Lat/Long 40.7989, -81.6954) 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 Dalton, 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 Dalton, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 34° 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 Dalton, 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 Dalton, 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 Dalton, United States
The area around Dalton, Ohio, located at 40.7989°N latitude and 81.6954°W longitude, is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Appalachian Plateau region. This part of northeastern Ohio features a mix of agricultural land, wooded areas, and small streams that wind through the countryside.
The topography is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 950 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The landscape is dotted with small hills and shallow valleys, creating a patchwork of open fields and forested areas. The terrain is not particularly steep or rugged, but it does have some variation that gives the region a pleasant, rural character.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the best locations would typically be found on relatively flat, open spaces with good sun exposure. In the vicinity of Dalton, this would likely include:
- Large agricultural fields, particularly those on slightly elevated ground or gentle south-facing slopes. These areas often provide the necessary space and sunlight for solar arrays.
- Former industrial sites or brownfields that are no longer in use. These locations are often already cleared and may have existing infrastructure that can be repurposed for solar installations.
- Open areas near major roads or highways, where land might be available and access to the power grid is convenient.
It's important to note that while the rolling terrain around Dalton can provide some suitable sites for solar PV, the region's climate, with its frequent cloud cover and snowfall in winter, may present challenges for solar energy production. Any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider these factors, as well as local zoning regulations and environmental impacts, before proceeding.
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: Monday 14th of October 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.
