Solar PV Analysis of Edelstein, United States
Edelstein, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which can impact the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Edelstein peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 6.36 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.32 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 3.66 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.30 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Edelstein is most suitable for solar energy generation from late spring through early fall. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Edelstein, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 36 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and seasonal sun path variations.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can potentially impact solar energy production in Edelstein:
- Snow accumulation during winter months can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Cloud cover, particularly common during spring and fall, may intermittently decrease solar output
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding and using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and panel cleaning, can also help maintain optimal performance.
While Edelstein's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still yield significant benefits, particularly during the more favorable months of late spring through early fall.
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 Edelstein
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.9409, Longitude: -89.6293 (Edelstein, 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 Edelstein, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Edelstein, United States (Lat/Long 40.9409, -89.6293) 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 Edelstein, 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 Edelstein, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 34° 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 Edelstein, 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 Edelstein, 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 Edelstein, United States
The area around Edelstein, Illinois, in the United States is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwest. This region, located in Peoria County, is part of the larger Illinois River Valley and features a mix of agricultural lands and scattered woodlands.
The topography in this area is generally flat to moderately hilly, with subtle elevation changes across the landscape. The land gradually slopes towards the Illinois River, which lies to the west of Edelstein. Small streams and creeks meander through the countryside, creating shallow valleys and subtle contours in the otherwise relatively level terrain.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the agricultural lands surrounding Edelstein offer promising potential. These open, flat fields provide several advantages for solar energy development:
- Ample space: The expansive farmlands offer large, uninterrupted areas for solar panel placement.
- Minimal shading: The lack of tall structures or dense forests reduces the risk of shading, which can impact solar panel efficiency.
- Ease of access: The existing network of rural roads facilitates construction and maintenance of solar installations.
- Limited environmental impact: Using already-cleared agricultural land minimizes the need for further land clearing.
Ideal locations for large-scale solar PV would be on south-facing slopes or flat areas with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Fields that are less productive for agriculture or fallow lands could be particularly suitable for solar development, as this would minimize the impact on food production.
It's important to note that while the topography around Edelstein is generally favorable for solar PV, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations. Factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar projects in this 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 12th of October 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.
