Solar PV Analysis of Detroit, United States
The location in Detroit, Michigan, United States at latitude 42.331427 and longitude -83.0457538 is a suitable place for generating solar PV energy, with varying levels of production across different seasons. In the summer months, an average of 6.32 kWh per day per kW of installed solar can be generated, while spring sees an average of 5.38 kWh/day per kW. However, during autumn and winter months, the average daily generation decreases to 3.19 kWh/day and 1.98 kWh/day per kW respectively due to reduced sunlight availability.
For optimal energy production from a fixed panel installation at this location, it is recommended to tilt the panels at an angle of 36 degrees facing southward.
It is important to consider that weather conditions such as snow or heavy rains could impact solar power generation in Detroit since it lies within the Northern Temperate Zone where these types of weather are common throughout the year. This is particularly relevant during winter months when snowfall is more frequent and prolonged periods of rain occur more often than other seasons.
Additionally, cloudy days can also reduce the amount of sunlight available for solar power generation regardless of season or time of year which may further limit its potential output compared to sunny days with clear skies when maximum efficiency can be achieved from a given system's capacity.
To mitigate these factors affecting solar energy production in Detroit, Michigan, preventative measures such as regular maintenance and cleaning should be taken to ensure that panels remain free from debris like snow or dirt buildup that could obstruct sunlight absorption by the panels. Furthermore, installing additional panels or incorporating battery storage systems may help compensate for lower energy production during less favorable weather conditions or seasons with reduced sunlight availability.
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 3008 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 Detroit
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.331427, Longitude: -83.0457538 (Detroit, 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 Detroit, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Detroit, United States (Lat/Long 42.331427, -83.0457538) 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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 | 46° 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, United States
The topography around Detroit is relatively flat with some rolling hills, making it an ideal location for large-scale solar PV. Areas to the south and west of the city are especially suited to solar installations due to their higher elevation and open landscape. The nearby towns of Southfield, Dearborn Heights, Livonia, and Farmington Hills all have ample amounts of open space that could be used for large-scale solar energy production. Additionally, areas surrounding Lake St. Clair would also be well-suited for solar energy as they tend to receive more direct sunlight than other parts of the region due to their proximity to the lake.
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: Friday 12th of August 2022
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
