Solar PV Analysis of Enterprise, United States
Enterprise, Alabama, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 31.3432, -85.844, offers a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons, with peak performance during spring and summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels in Enterprise can expect to generate an average of 6.30 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity during spring, closely followed by 6.23 kWh/day in summer. These seasons provide optimal conditions for solar energy production due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
Autumn sees a moderate decrease in solar output, with an average of 4.81 kWh/day per kW installed. Winter experiences the lowest production at 3.08 kWh/day per kW, primarily due to shorter days and the sun's lower position in the sky.
Ideal Panel Tilt
For fixed panel installations in Enterprise, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 28 degrees facing south. This angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the changing position of the sun across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Enterprise generally offers good conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Humidity: The region's subtropical climate can lead to high humidity levels, potentially affecting panel efficiency. Regular cleaning can help mitigate this issue.
- Storms: Alabama experiences occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and hurricanes. Sturdy mounting systems and impact-resistant panels can help protect the installation.
To maximize solar production in Enterprise, consider using panels with anti-reflective coatings to reduce energy loss from humidity and implementing a monitoring system to quickly identify and address any performance issues. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation behind the panels can help maintain efficiency in the warm climate.
Overall, Enterprise, Alabama provides a suitable location for solar PV installations, with strong potential for energy generation, particularly during spring and summer months. With appropriate planning and preventative measures, solar systems in this area can effectively harness the abundant sunlight available throughout the year.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Enterprise
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.3432, Longitude: -85.844 (Enterprise, 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 28° South in Enterprise, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Enterprise, United States (Lat/Long 31.3432, -85.844) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Enterprise, 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 Enterprise, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15° South in Summer | 37° South in Autumn | 47° South in Winter | 24° 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 Enterprise, 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 Enterprise, 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 Enterprise, United States
The topography around Enterprise, Alabama (located at 31.3432°N, 85.844°W) is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain typical of the southeastern United States. This area is part of the Coastal Plain region, which features a mix of low-lying plains and subtle elevation changes. The landscape is generally composed of sandy soils with scattered clay deposits, a result of its geological history as an ancient seabed.
Enterprise and its surrounding areas have a modest elevation, typically ranging from about 300 to 400 feet above sea level. The terrain is punctuated by small streams and creeks that wind through the landscape, creating shallow valleys and occasional wetland areas. The region also features a mix of agricultural land, pine forests, and hardwood stands, which contribute to its gently undulating appearance.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat, open spaces with good sun exposure throughout the day. Given the topography around Enterprise, there are likely numerous suitable locations within a 30-mile radius of the city.
Some of the most promising areas for solar PV development would be found on former agricultural lands or cleared areas that are not currently in use for farming or other purposes. These sites often provide the necessary space and sunlight exposure for efficient solar energy production. Additionally, areas with a slight south-facing slope could be particularly advantageous, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the year.
It's worth noting that while the rolling hills in the region generally don't pose significant obstacles for solar farm development, very hilly or heavily forested areas would be less suitable due to potential shading issues and the added expense of land clearing. Areas near water bodies or in flood-prone zones should also be avoided to protect the solar infrastructure from potential water damage.
Ultimately, the selection of specific sites for large-scale solar PV installations would require detailed land surveys, environmental impact assessments, and consideration of local zoning regulations. However, the overall topography and climate of the Enterprise area make it generally favorable for solar energy development, with ample potential for finding suitable locations within the surrounding 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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 21st of July 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.
