Darien, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at 41.7413° N latitude and -87.9839° W longitude presents varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panel efficiency in Darien fluctuates significantly with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.27 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.30 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, yielding 3.39 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.05 kWh/day per kW installed.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed panel installations in Darien, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 36 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and Darien's specific latitude.

Peak Generation Periods

The most favorable times for solar energy generation in Darien are from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. The period from May to September typically offers the best conditions for solar energy production.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Darien's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact efficiency:

• Snowfall: Winter accumulation can temporarily reduce panel output.
• Cloud cover: The region experiences partly cloudy conditions throughout the year.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and panel cleaning, can help maintain optimal performance.

Despite seasonal variations, Darien's location provides a reasonable opportunity for solar energy generation, particularly during the warmer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can contribute significantly to meeting local energy needs 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 3028 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 Darien

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.7413, Longitude: -87.9839 (Darien, 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 Darien, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Darien, United States (Lat/Long 41.7413, -87.9839) 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 Darien, 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 Darien, 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
26° South in Summer	45° 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 Darien, 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 Darien, 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 Darien, United States

The topography around Darien, Illinois, located at coordinates 41.7413°N and 87.9839°W, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This area, situated in DuPage County, is part of the Chicago metropolitan region and lies within the Prairie Peninsula ecoregion. The landscape is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with subtle variations in elevation throughout the vicinity. The region surrounding Darien was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of low hills, shallow depressions, and occasional wetlands. The average elevation in the area is approximately 700 feet (213 meters) above sea level, with minimal dramatic changes in altitude. This relatively uniform topography is punctuated by small streams and creeks that meander through the landscape, creating shallow valleys and subtle contours.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain in the vicinity of Darien offers some advantages for solar energy development. Areas with slight southern-facing slopes would be particularly well-suited, as they would receive optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day. Former agricultural lands or open fields in the surrounding region could be prime candidates for solar PV projects. These areas often provide the necessary space and minimal obstructions for large arrays of solar panels. Additionally, locations with easy access to existing electrical infrastructure would be advantageous for connecting to the power grid. However, it's important to note that the Chicago metropolitan area is densely populated, which may limit the availability of extensive open spaces required for large-scale solar installations. Potential sites might be found in the less developed areas to the south and west of Darien, where there may be more available land and fewer conflicts with urban development. When selecting specific locations for solar PV projects, developers would need to consider factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to residential areas, and environmental impact assessments. The relatively flat terrain in much of the region would generally be favorable for solar panel installation, as it would minimize the need for extensive grading and site preparation. In conclusion, while the topography around Darien is conducive to solar energy development, the availability of suitable large-scale sites may be limited due to urban and suburban development in the greater Chicago area. Careful site selection and community engagement would be crucial for successful implementation of significant solar PV projects in this 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.