Emporia, Kansas, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical coordinates (38.4039, -96.1817) place it in a region with distinct seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Emporia fluctuates significantly across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 7.03 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.29 kWh/day/kW. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in output, producing 4.22 kWh/day/kW. Winter, as expected, has the lowest generation at 2.81 kWh/day/kW.

Optimal Installation Angle

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Emporia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the city's specific latitude.

Peak Generation Periods

The most favorable times for solar energy generation in Emporia are from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. However, even during the less productive winter months, solar panels can still generate a meaningful amount of electricity.

Environmental Considerations

While Emporia's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Snowfall: Emporia experiences moderate snowfall in winter, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended 34-degree angle helps shed snow more easily.
• Severe Weather: The region is prone to thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Robust mounting systems and hail-resistant panels can mitigate potential damage.

To maximize solar production in Emporia, consider implementing a tracking system to follow the sun's path, regularly clean panels to remove dust and debris, and ensure proper ventilation to maintain optimal operating temperatures. With these measures in place, Emporia residents can effectively harness solar energy throughout the year, despite 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 Emporia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.4039, Longitude: -96.1817 (Emporia, 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 34° South in Emporia, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Emporia, United States (Lat/Long 38.4039, -96.1817) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Emporia, 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 Emporia, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
22° South in Summer	43° South in Autumn	53° South in Winter	32° 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 Emporia, 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 Emporia, 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 Emporia, United States

The topography around Emporia, Kansas, located at approximately 38.4039°N latitude and 96.1817°W longitude, is characterized by gently rolling plains typical of the Great Plains region. This area is part of the Flint Hills, known for its tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The landscape consists of low, rounded hills interspersed with shallow valleys and meandering streams. The terrain around Emporia is generally flat to moderately hilly, with elevations ranging from about 1,100 to 1,300 feet above sea level. The Cottonwood River and its tributaries flow through the area, creating subtle variations in the landscape. The soil is primarily composed of fertile loam, which supports both native grasslands and agricultural activities.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Emporia for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be relatively flat, open areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or other obstructions. Additionally, proximity to existing electrical infrastructure and accessibility for construction and maintenance are important considerations. Given these criteria, the agricultural lands surrounding Emporia could be well-suited for solar PV development. The gently sloping terrain to the east and south of the city, where croplands and pastures dominate, might offer ideal conditions. These areas typically have fewer trees and structures that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing potential energy production. The prairies to the west of Emporia, extending into the heart of the Flint Hills, could also be considered for solar installations. However, it's important to note that these grasslands are ecologically significant and may face conservation restrictions. Any large-scale solar development in this region would need to carefully balance energy production goals with environmental preservation efforts. Areas to the north and northeast of Emporia, where the terrain becomes slightly more varied, might present some challenges for solar PV installations due to potential shading issues. However, careful site selection could still yield suitable locations in these directions. It's worth noting that while the topography around Emporia is generally favorable for solar energy production, other factors such as local zoning regulations, land ownership, and grid connection capabilities would also play crucial roles in determining the most appropriate sites for large-scale solar PV projects.

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.