Solar PV Analysis of Dickinson, United States
Dickinson, North Dakota, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impact the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Dickinson, with an impressive daily output of 7.01 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.44 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial decrease in solar production. Autumn yields 3.47 kWh/day, while winter experiences a dramatic drop to just 1.97 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between summer and winter performance, with summer producing more than three times the energy of winter days. This variation underscores the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate year-round energy production.
Optimal Panel Placement
For fixed panel installations in Dickinson, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 40 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Dickinson:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
- Extremely cold temperatures may affect system performance
- Occasional severe weather events, such as hailstorms, pose a risk to panel integrity
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding
- Use high-quality, cold-resistant solar equipment
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule
- Consider protective measures against hail damage, such as protective covers or hail-resistant panels
While Dickinson's location presents some challenges for solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, proper system design and maintenance can help maximize the benefits of solar PV technology in this region.
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 Dickinson
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.7957, Longitude: -102.7475 (Dickinson, 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 40° South in Dickinson, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dickinson, United States (Lat/Long 46.7957, -102.7475) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Dickinson, 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 Dickinson, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30° South in Summer | 51° South in Autumn | 61° South in Winter | 40° 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 Dickinson, 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 Dickinson, 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 Dickinson, United States
The topography around Dickinson, North Dakota, is characterized by rolling hills and prairies typical of the Great Plains region. This area, known as the Badlands, features a mix of grasslands, buttes, and deeply eroded valleys. The landscape is generally open and expansive, with gentle slopes and occasional steep ridges.
The terrain surrounding Dickinson is relatively flat to moderately hilly, with elevations ranging from about 2,300 to 2,700 feet above sea level. The city itself sits in a shallow valley formed by the Heart River, which meanders through the area. To the west and southwest of Dickinson, the terrain becomes more rugged as it transitions into the Badlands proper, with more dramatic rock formations and steeper slopes.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would be the flatter, open spaces to the east and northeast of Dickinson. These regions offer several advantages for solar energy development:
- Relatively level terrain, which simplifies construction and reduces costs associated with land preparation
- Fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing sun exposure throughout the day
- Easier access for maintenance and infrastructure development
- Lower likelihood of interfering with sensitive ecosystems or protected landscapes compared to the more rugged Badlands areas
The gently rolling prairies in these directions provide ample space for large solar arrays while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, these areas are often already used for agriculture, which means existing road networks and power grid connections may be available nearby, further reducing development costs.
It's worth noting that while the region experiences cold winters, it also enjoys many clear, sunny days throughout the year, making it potentially suitable for solar energy production despite its northern latitude. However, any specific site selection would require detailed environmental and feasibility studies to ensure optimal placement and minimal negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities.
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: Sunday 8th of September 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.
