Elizabeth City, North Carolina, situated at coordinates 36.296, -76.2435 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output that prospective solar adopters should consider.

Seasonal Solar Production

The solar energy generation at this location shows clear seasonal patterns. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with panels generating approximately 6.53kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 6.09kWh/day per installed kilowatt. Production decreases considerably in autumn to 4.28kWh/day, while winter sees the lowest output at just 2.65kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

This pattern creates a roughly 2.5-fold difference between the best and worst producing seasons, with summer generating nearly 2.5 times more electricity than winter months. The strong performance during spring and summer makes these seasons ideal for generating excess energy that could potentially offset lower production during fall and winter.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Elizabeth City, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 32 degrees facing South. This carefully calculated angle optimizes the panels' exposure to the sun throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors in Elizabeth City could potentially impact solar production:

• Hurricane exposure: Elizabeth City's coastal location makes it vulnerable to Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly during the June-November hurricane season. Strong mounting systems and wind-resistant racking are essential preventative measures.
• Coastal humidity and salt exposure: Proximity to the Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound means higher humidity and potential salt spray, which can accelerate corrosion. Using marine-grade components and regular cleaning can mitigate these effects.
• Tree coverage: The region's abundant vegetation may cause shading issues. Strategic placement of panels away from trees or selective trimming can maximize sun exposure.
• Snow and ice: While relatively infrequent compared to northern states, winter precipitation can temporarily reduce output. Installing panels at the recommended 32-degree tilt helps snow slide off more easily.

With proper installation accounting for these factors, Elizabeth City remains a viable location for solar energy production, particularly during the spring and summer months when output is substantially higher. The moderate climate and lack of extreme conditions make it a reasonably favorable location for solar PV systems despite the seasonal variations.

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 Elizabeth City

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.296, Longitude: -76.2435 (Elizabeth City, 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 32° South in Elizabeth City, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Elizabeth City, United States (Lat/Long 36.296, -76.2435) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Elizabeth City, 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 Elizabeth City, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	52° South in Winter	29° 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 Elizabeth City, 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 Elizabeth City, 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 Elizabeth City, United States

Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is situated in the northeastern part of the state within the Coastal Plain region. The topography around Elizabeth City is predominantly flat with minimal elevation changes, which is characteristic of coastal plain environments. The city sits at an average elevation of just about 12 feet (3.7 meters) above sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying areas in North Carolina. The landscape surrounding Elizabeth City is defined by the Pasquotank River, which flows alongside the city before emptying into the Albemarle Sound to the east. This waterway has historically shaped the development and economy of the region. The terrain consists mainly of level plains with scattered wetlands, marshes, and small forested areas. Due to the low elevation, there are numerous drainage canals throughout the area that help manage water levels in this naturally wet environment.

Solar PV Potential in the Region

The flat topography around Elizabeth City presents several advantages for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The lack of significant hills or mountains means there are fewer natural obstacles that would cast shadows across solar arrays. This flat terrain also typically requires less grading and site preparation, potentially reducing construction costs for solar facilities. Areas to the west and southwest of Elizabeth City offer particularly suitable conditions for large-scale solar PV development. These locations feature extensive agricultural lands that are already cleared, well-drained, and accessible via existing road infrastructure. The counties of Pasquotank, Perquimans, and Camden contain numerous large, open parcels that could accommodate utility-scale solar installations.

Topographical Considerations for Solar Development

When evaluating specific sites around Elizabeth City for solar PV installations, several topographical factors merit consideration. While the region is generally flat, subtle variations in elevation can affect drainage patterns. Areas with slightly higher elevation may offer better protection against potential flooding events, which is an important consideration given the region's vulnerability to coastal storms and rising sea levels. The presence of wetlands and protected natural areas, particularly closer to the Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound, may limit development in certain locations. The eastern portions of the region, being closer to coastal waters, may experience more frequent fog or sea mist, which could marginally impact solar energy production compared to slightly inland areas. The agricultural lands west of Elizabeth City, particularly along major transportation corridors like US Highway 17, represent a balance of favorable topography, existing infrastructure, and reduced environmental constraints. These areas typically feature well-drained soils on flat terrain that has already been cleared for farming, making them prime candidates for conversion to solar energy production with minimal additional land preparation required.

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.