Erin, Tennessee is a moderately good location for year-round solar energy generation, though it experiences significant seasonal variation typical of locations in the Northern Temperate Zone.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this Tennessee location varies considerably throughout the year. Summer provides the strongest performance at 6.47 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it the ideal season for solar generation. Spring follows as the second-best season with 5.65 kWh per day per kW, offering nearly comparable production levels. Autumn sees a notable drop in solar output to 4.09 kWh per day per kW, while winter represents the most challenging period with only 2.48 kWh per day per kW. This winter figure is less than 40% of summer production, highlighting the importance of planning for seasonal energy storage or grid backup during colder months. For maximum year-round energy production, solar panels at this location should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 31 degrees facing south. This optimal angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles throughout the year and weighting them according to solar irradiance potential.

Local Factors Affecting Solar Production

Several environmental and weather factors in the Erin, Tennessee area can significantly impact solar energy generation and should be considered during installation planning. The region experiences frequent cloud cover and precipitation, particularly during winter and spring months, which can reduce solar output below the expected seasonal averages. Tennessee's humid subtropical climate also means higher humidity levels that can create haze and reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels. Severe weather events pose another concern for this location. Tennessee sits within a region prone to thunderstorms, hail, and occasional tornadoes, particularly during spring and early summer. These weather events can damage solar installations and interrupt power generation. Tree coverage and vegetation growth can be problematic in Tennessee's lush environment. The state's abundant rainfall and long growing season mean that nearby trees and shrubs can quickly grow to shade solar installations, especially if not properly managed during the initial site planning.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

Several installation strategies can help maximize solar energy production despite these local challenges:

• Install panels with tempered glass and robust mounting systems rated for high winds and hail impact
• Ensure proper drainage around panel mounting areas to prevent water accumulation
• Conduct thorough shade analysis before installation and maintain regular vegetation trimming schedules
• Position panels with adequate spacing to allow for cleaning and maintenance access
• Consider micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact when individual panels are shaded

Regular maintenance becomes particularly important in Tennessee's climate. Panel cleaning should be scheduled more frequently due to pollen, dust, and organic debris that can accumulate on surfaces. Installing panels at the optimal 31-degree tilt helps with natural cleaning from rainfall, but manual cleaning may still be necessary during heavy pollen seasons. Ground-mounted systems should include proper grounding and surge protection due to the area's thunderstorm activity. For roof-mounted installations, ensuring the roof structure can handle both the panel weight and potential severe weather loads is essential for long-term performance and safety.

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 Erin

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.3184, Longitude: -87.6947 (Erin, 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 31° South in Erin, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Erin, United States (Lat/Long 36.3184, -87.6947) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Erin, 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 Erin, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° 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 Erin, 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 Erin, 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 Erin, United States

Topographical Features Around Erin

The area surrounding Erin in Tennessee presents a gently rolling landscape characteristic of the Western Highland Rim region. This terrain consists of moderately undulating hills with elevations typically ranging between 500 and 800 feet above sea level. The topography is generally favorable for development, featuring broad ridgetops and gentle slopes that avoid the steep terrain found in other parts of Tennessee. The region sits within the broader Cumberland River watershed, with numerous small creeks and tributaries creating shallow valleys between the rolling hills. These waterways have carved modest depressions in the landscape over time, but the overall relief remains relatively subdued. The soil composition includes limestone bedrock beneath layers of clay and loam, which provides stable ground conditions for construction projects.

Land Use and Accessibility

Much of the surrounding countryside consists of agricultural land, including pastures for livestock and crop fields. This existing agricultural use indicates that large parcels of relatively flat or gently sloping land are available in the area. The rural nature of the region means that land parcels tend to be substantial in size, which could accommodate large-scale installations without the complications of assembling numerous smaller properties. The transportation infrastructure includes several state highways that provide good access to the area, while the relatively flat terrain means that heavy equipment and materials can be transported to potential sites without significant logistical challenges. The proximity to major population centers like Nashville, located roughly 75 miles to the southeast, provides access to electrical grid infrastructure and maintenance services.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar installations would be the broad, south-facing slopes and ridgetops that characterize much of the area around Erin. These elevated positions typically offer unobstructed exposure to sunlight throughout the day, while the gentle gradients minimize the need for extensive site preparation and grading work. Agricultural fields on relatively level ground would also present excellent opportunities, particularly those with minimal tree coverage and good road access. The existing farm infrastructure in many cases already includes electrical connections and access roads that could support solar development with minimal additional investment. Areas to avoid would include the narrow creek valleys and heavily forested sections, where tree removal costs and potential environmental considerations could complicate development. Additionally, the steeper hillsides, while not extremely challenging, would require more extensive earthwork and specialized mounting systems compared to the gentler slopes available elsewhere in the region. The overall topographical characteristics around Erin create favorable conditions for solar development, with ample suitable land, good accessibility, and terrain that would not present significant engineering challenges for large-scale installations.

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.