DeSoto, Texas, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location, with coordinates 32.6085, -96.8655, experiences varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.86 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.34 kWh/day, while autumn produces a respectable 4.96 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest output at 3.06 kWh/day, but still contributes significantly to the overall annual production.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed panel installations in DeSoto, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 29 degrees facing south. This angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions to optimize energy capture throughout the year.

Peak Production Periods

The most ideal times for solar generation in DeSoto are during the long, sunny days of summer, typically from June through August. Spring and early autumn also offer excellent conditions for solar energy production, with clear skies and moderate temperatures contributing to high efficiency.

Environmental Considerations

While DeSoto's climate is generally favorable for solar energy, there are a few factors to consider:

• Occasional severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and hail, can potentially damage solar panels.
• High summer temperatures may slightly reduce panel efficiency, although this is typically offset by longer daylight hours.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these factors and ensure optimal solar production, consider the following measures:

• Install hail-resistant panels and protective coverings to safeguard against severe weather.
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris, particularly during dry periods.
• Use high-quality, heat-resistant panels to maintain efficiency during hot summer months.

Overall, DeSoto, Texas presents a highly favorable location for solar PV installations, with strong potential for energy generation throughout the year, particularly during the spring and summer months.

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 DeSoto

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.6085, Longitude: -96.8655 (DeSoto, 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 DeSoto, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in DeSoto, United States (Lat/Long 32.6085, -96.8655) 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 DeSoto, 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 DeSoto, 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	37° 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 DeSoto, 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 DeSoto, 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 DeSoto, United States

The topography around DeSoto, Texas, located at latitude 32.6085 and longitude -96.8655, is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the Blackland Prairie region, which extends across much of north-central Texas. The landscape features a mix of open grasslands, scattered woodlands, and small creeks or streams that wind through the countryside. DeSoto sits at an elevation of approximately 640 feet (195 meters) above sea level, with subtle variations in elevation throughout the surrounding area. The terrain gradually slopes downward towards the east, where the Trinity River and its tributaries have carved shallow valleys into the landscape. To the west, the land becomes slightly more elevated and undulating as it transitions into the Grand Prairie region.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

The areas surrounding DeSoto offer several promising locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most suitable sites for such projects would be found in the open, flat areas to the south and southeast of DeSoto. These locations benefit from minimal shading, ample space for solar arrays, and relatively easy access to existing infrastructure. The gently sloping terrain in these areas provides good drainage, which is important for maintaining the longevity of solar installations. Additionally, the region's abundant sunshine and generally mild climate make it well-suited for solar energy production throughout much of the year. Areas to the east of DeSoto, towards the Trinity River, may be less ideal for large-scale solar PV due to potential flooding risks and more varied topography. Similarly, regions to the north and west, which are more developed and urbanized, may have limited available space for expansive solar farms. When considering specific sites for solar PV installations, it's important to conduct thorough environmental assessments and consult with local authorities to ensure compliance with zoning regulations and land use policies. The ideal locations would balance favorable topography with proximity to existing power infrastructure and minimal impact on sensitive ecosystems or agricultural lands.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.