Solar Energy Potential in Downsville, Wisconsin

The location in Downsville, Wisconsin, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. With its position at latitude 44.7713 and longitude -91.9332, this area experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production. During the summer months, solar panels at this location can be expected to generate an impressive 6.64 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. This high output makes summer the ideal time for solar energy production in Downsville. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.14 kWh per kW installed. However, the colder months see a considerable drop in solar energy generation. Autumn yields about 3.34 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.32 kWh per day per kW installed. This substantial seasonal variation highlights the importance of properly sizing solar installations to meet year-round energy needs.

Optimal Panel Placement

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 39 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's specific latitude, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Downsville's location offers good potential for solar energy, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact solar production: 1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can temporarily reduce panel efficiency if not promptly removed. 2. Cloud cover: The region may experience periods of overcast weather, particularly in autumn and winter. 3. Tree shading: The mixed forest landscape could potentially cast shadows on solar installations if not properly sited. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
• Implement regular panel cleaning and snow removal procedures
• Carefully plan installation locations to minimize shading from trees and other obstacles
• Use high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions

Topographical Considerations

The rolling hills and river valleys characteristic of the area can influence solar panel placement. South-facing slopes offer excellent opportunities for maximizing sunlight exposure throughout the year. When selecting sites for larger solar installations, prioritize open, flat, or gently sloping land to minimize shading and maximize energy production. In conclusion, while Downsville, Wisconsin experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential, proper planning and installation techniques can help maximize year-round energy production. The location's moderate climate and varied landscape present both challenges and opportunities for solar energy generation, making it a suitable, if not ideal, location for solar PV installations.

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 Downsville

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.7713, Longitude: -91.9332 (Downsville, 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 39° South in Downsville, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Downsville, United States (Lat/Long 44.7713, -91.9332) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Downsville, 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 Downsville, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
28° South in Summer	49° South in Autumn	58° South in Winter	38° 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 Downsville, 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 Downsville, 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 Downsville, United States

Downsville is located in Dunn County, Wisconsin, United States. The topography of this area is characterized by:

1. Rolling hills: The region is part of the Driftless Area, which was largely untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. This has resulted in a landscape of rolling hills and valleys.

2. River valleys: The area is near the confluence of the Red Cedar River and the Eau Galle River, which have carved out valleys in the landscape.

3. Mixed forest and agricultural land: The region features a combination of forested areas and farmland, with many cleared areas used for agriculture.

4. Moderate elevation changes: While not mountainous, the area does have some elevation changes due to its hilly nature.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely have the following characteristics:

1. Open, flat or gently sloping land: Areas with minimal shading from trees or hills are ideal for solar farms.

2. South-facing slopes: In the northern hemisphere, south-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight throughout the year.

3. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Areas close to power lines and roads for easier connection and maintenance.

4. Non-prime agricultural land: To minimize conflict with food production, solar farms are often best placed on land less suitable for agriculture.

5. Away from residential areas: To reduce potential conflicts with local communities.

Based on these criteria, some potential areas for large-scale solar PV near Downsville might include:

1. Cleared agricultural land on hilltops or plateaus to the south or southeast of Downsville.
2. Abandoned or less productive farmland in the surrounding area.
3. Reclaimed mining or quarry sites, if any exist in the region.
4. Large, open areas along the river valleys, provided they are not in flood-prone zones.

It's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed local surveys, environmental impact assessments, and consideration of local zoning laws and regulations. Additionally, community engagement and approval would be crucial for any large-scale solar project in the area.

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.