Solar PV Analysis of Derby, United States
Derby, Kansas, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at latitude 37.5544 and longitude -97.2586 provides varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Derby experiences significant fluctuations between seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive average daily output of 7.19 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.49 kWh/day. Autumn sees a decline in production to 4.59 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.98 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in Derby. This disparity is primarily due to changes in daylight hours and sun angle throughout the year.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Derby, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the city's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
While Derby's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Severe weather: Kansas is prone to thunderstorms, hail, and occasional tornadoes. These events can potentially damage solar panels or reduce their efficiency.
- Dust and pollen: The region's agricultural activities and natural vegetation can lead to accumulation of dust and pollen on solar panels, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
To mitigate these factors, consider installing hail-resistant solar panels and implementing a regular cleaning schedule. Additionally, mounting systems designed to withstand high winds can protect panels during severe weather events. Automated cleaning systems or hydrophobic coatings can help maintain panel efficiency by reducing dust and pollen buildup.
Overall, while Derby faces some challenges, its location still offers good potential for solar energy production, particularly during the spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a viable and effective source of renewable energy in this Kansas city.
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 Derby
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.5544, Longitude: -97.2586 (Derby, 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 33° South in Derby, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Derby, United States (Lat/Long 37.5544, -97.2586) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Derby, 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 Derby, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Derby, 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 Derby, 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 Derby, United States
The topography around Derby, Kansas, in the United States is characterized by relatively flat terrain with gentle rolling hills. This area is part of the Great Plains region, which is known for its wide-open spaces and expansive prairie landscapes. The land around Derby is primarily composed of open grasslands and agricultural fields, with occasional patches of trees and small wooded areas along streams and rivers.
The elevation in and around Derby is generally consistent, with only minor variations in height. The city itself sits at an elevation of approximately 1,270 feet (387 meters) above sea level. As you move away from Derby, you may encounter slight increases or decreases in elevation, but these changes are typically gradual and not dramatic.
The Arkansas River flows to the west of Derby, creating a shallow valley that adds some topographic variety to the otherwise flat landscape. This river valley is slightly lower in elevation compared to the surrounding areas and may have some more pronounced slopes along its banks.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat and open nature of the landscape around Derby provides several favorable options. The following areas could be particularly well-suited:
1. Agricultural lands: The vast expanses of farmland surrounding Derby offer ample space for solar panel arrays. These areas are typically flat, have minimal shading from trees or buildings, and receive abundant sunlight throughout the year.
2. Open grasslands: Undeveloped prairie areas in the region could be ideal for solar installations due to their lack of obstructions and consistent topography.
3. Former industrial or brownfield sites: Any unused industrial areas or remediated brownfield sites near Derby could be repurposed for solar energy production, taking advantage of existing infrastructure and minimizing environmental impact on undeveloped land.
4. Areas south of the city: Generally, land to the south of Derby would be preferable for solar PV installations, as it would minimize shading from the city itself and maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV projects, it's important to also take into account factors such as proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and potential environmental impacts. The relatively flat topography and abundance of open space in the Derby area make it a promising location for solar energy development, provided these other considerations are addressed.
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: Thursday 1st of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
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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.
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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.
