Dubois, Wyoming, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 43.5336, -109.6304, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar PV energy generation. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects its overall suitability for consistent energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy generation in Dubois is most effective during the summer months, with an impressive output of 7.41 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, producing 6.20 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with outputs of 3.73 kWh/day and 2.61 kWh/day, respectively.

These figures indicate that Dubois experiences a significant solar energy potential during the warmer months, making it an attractive location for solar PV installations. The long summer days and generally clear skies contribute to this high performance. However, the substantial decrease in output during the colder months presents challenges for year-round reliability.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Dubois, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the total annual energy yield, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors in Dubois could potentially impact solar energy production:

1. Snow accumulation: Dubois experiences significant snowfall during winter months, which can cover solar panels and reduce their efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or the installation of snow-shedding systems may be necessary.
2. Temperature extremes: While cold temperatures can actually improve solar panel efficiency, extreme cold can affect other system components. Proper insulation and cold-resistant equipment should be used.
3. Dust and pollen: The rural location may lead to dust accumulation on panels, particularly during dry periods. Periodic cleaning may be required to maintain optimal performance.

To mitigate these challenges, consider using durable, high-quality solar equipment designed for extreme weather conditions. Additionally, implementing a regular maintenance schedule for panel cleaning and system checks can help ensure consistent energy production throughout the year.

In conclusion, while Dubois offers excellent solar potential during summer and spring, the significant drop in winter and autumn output means that supplementary energy sources or energy storage solutions may be necessary for year-round reliability. Despite these challenges, with proper planning and maintenance, solar PV can still be a viable and beneficial energy option for this location.

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 Dubois

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.5336, Longitude: -109.6304 (Dubois, 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 38° South in Dubois, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dubois, United States (Lat/Long 43.5336, -109.6304) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Dubois, 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 Dubois, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
27° South in Summer	47° South in Autumn	58° South in Winter	36° 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 Dubois, 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 Dubois, 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 Dubois, United States

The topography around Dubois, Wyoming, is characterized by a diverse and rugged landscape typical of the American West. Situated in the Wind River Valley, Dubois is surrounded by striking natural features that create a picturesque and varied terrain. To the north and south of Dubois, the landscape is dominated by towering mountain ranges. The Absaroka Range rises to the north, while the Wind River Range stretches to the south. These mountains feature steep, rocky slopes, deep canyons, and high peaks that reach elevations of over 13,000 feet. The rugged nature of these ranges creates a dramatic backdrop for the town and influences local weather patterns.

Valley and Foothills

The immediate area around Dubois consists of a wide valley floor, through which the Wind River flows. This valley is relatively flat compared to the surrounding mountains, with gentle slopes and rolling hills. The valley bottom is characterized by a mix of grasslands, sagebrush plains, and riparian areas along the river and its tributaries. As you move away from the valley center, the terrain gradually transitions into foothills. These areas feature a mix of gentle and moderate slopes, with increasing elevation as they approach the mountain ranges. The foothills are often covered with a combination of grasslands, shrublands, and scattered forests of pine and juniper.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas near Dubois for large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable locations would likely be found in the valley and lower foothill regions. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development: 1. The relatively flat terrain of the valley floor provides ample space for solar panel arrays without the need for extensive land modification. 2. The open nature of the grasslands and sagebrush plains means fewer obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing sun exposure throughout the day. 3. The gradual slopes of the foothills, particularly those facing south, could potentially offer optimal angles for solar panel placement, increasing energy capture efficiency. However, it's important to note that while the topography may be suitable, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to existing power infrastructure would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects 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.