Solar PV Analysis of Emmett, United States
Solar Energy Potential in Emmett, Idaho
Emmett, Idaho, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal solar output provides insight into its suitability for photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Seasonal Solar Production
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.92 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.63 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 3.87 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.98 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Emmett's solar potential is highly seasonal, with peak production occurring from late spring through early fall. The substantial difference between summer and winter outputs suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Emmett, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Emmett's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency, necessitating regular cleaning or the installation of panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding.
- Wildfire smoke, which can occur during summer months in Idaho, may temporarily decrease solar radiation reaching the panels.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings and implementing a regular maintenance schedule. Additionally, a tracking system could be employed to adjust panel angles throughout the year, potentially increasing overall energy production.
In conclusion, while Emmett experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize energy production year-round.
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 Emmett
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.9106, Longitude: -116.489 (Emmett, 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 37° South in Emmett, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Emmett, United States (Lat/Long 43.9106, -116.489) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Emmett, 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 Emmett, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° 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 Emmett, 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 Emmett, 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 Emmett, United States
The topography around Emmett, Idaho in the United States is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, valleys, and flat areas. Emmett itself sits in a valley known as the Emmett Valley or Payette Valley, which is surrounded by higher terrain. To the north and east of the city, you'll find the foothills of the Boise Mountains, which gradually rise into more rugged, forested landscapes.
The Payette River flows through this area, carving out a scenic valley and providing water for the region. South and west of Emmett, the terrain becomes more open and less hilly, transitioning into the Snake River Plain. This area features a combination of agricultural lands and sagebrush-covered expanses.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found to the south and west of Emmett. These regions tend to have more open, flat terrain that receives ample sunlight throughout the year. The Snake River Plain, in particular, offers vast stretches of land that could potentially accommodate solar farms.
Ideal locations for solar installations would have the following characteristics:
- Flat or gently sloping land to minimize construction costs and maximize sun exposure
- Minimal shading from nearby hills or mountains
- Good access to existing power infrastructure for easy grid connection
- Areas with lower agricultural value to avoid conflicts with farming
While the immediate vicinity of Emmett may have some suitable sites, expanding the search radius further south and west into the Snake River Plain would likely yield more options for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas generally have a more arid climate with less cloud cover, which is beneficial for solar energy production.
It's important to note that any specific site selection would require detailed studies considering factors such as local zoning laws, environmental impacts, and proximity to transmission lines. Additionally, while the topography may be suitable, other factors like land ownership, protected areas, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the region.
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: Wednesday 18th 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.
