Fitzgerald, Georgia is a reasonably good location for solar energy generation, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 31.7227, -83.2559. The area experiences significant seasonal variation in solar production, with excellent performance during spring and summer months but notably reduced output during winter.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Spring delivers the highest solar energy output at 6.41 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making it the peak season for solar generation. Summer follows closely behind with 6.18 kWh per day per kW, providing consistently strong performance throughout the warmer months. These two seasons represent the ideal times for solar energy production at this location. Autumn sees a decline to 4.76 kWh per day per kW, while winter drops significantly to just 3.05 kWh per day per kW. This winter reduction is typical for locations at this latitude, though the overall annual performance remains viable for solar installations. For optimal year-round energy production, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 28 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes the total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's varying position throughout the year and the location's specific latitude.

Local Factors Affecting Solar Production

Several environmental and weather factors in the Fitzgerald area can impact solar energy generation. The region's humid subtropical climate brings frequent thunderstorms, particularly during summer months, which can temporarily reduce solar output and pose maintenance challenges. High humidity levels common to this area can lead to increased soiling of solar panels from dust, pollen, and organic matter. Pine pollen is especially prevalent in Georgia during spring months and can create a yellowish film on panel surfaces that reduces efficiency. The area experiences occasional severe weather including hail storms and high winds from thunderstorms, which can potentially damage solar installations if not properly designed and installed.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several preventative measures should be implemented:

• Install panels with appropriate mounting systems rated for high wind loads and impact resistance
• Implement regular cleaning schedules, particularly during pollen season and after dust storms
• Choose panels with anti-soiling coatings that help shed dirt and organic matter
• Ensure proper drainage around ground-mounted systems to prevent water pooling
• Use monitoring systems to quickly identify performance issues caused by soiling or weather damage

Proper system design should account for the local wind patterns and potential severe weather. Using quality mounting hardware and following local building codes will help ensure the installation can withstand Georgia's occasional severe thunderstorms and high winds. Regular maintenance becomes particularly important in this climate, with more frequent cleaning required compared to arid regions. However, the abundant rainfall can also help naturally clean panels between manual cleanings, partially offsetting the higher soiling rates from the humid environment.

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 Fitzgerald

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.7227, Longitude: -83.2559 (Fitzgerald, 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 Fitzgerald, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fitzgerald, United States (Lat/Long 31.7227, -83.2559) 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 Fitzgerald, 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 Fitzgerald, 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
16° 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 Fitzgerald, 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 Fitzgerald, 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 Fitzgerald, United States

Topographical Features Around Fitzgerald

The landscape surrounding Fitzgerald is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of south-central Georgia's Coastal Plain region. This area sits at a relatively low elevation, with the land gradually sloping toward the southeast as it approaches the Atlantic coastal regions. The topography consists primarily of modest hills and shallow valleys, creating a undulating pattern across the countryside that rarely presents steep gradients or dramatic elevation changes. The region's terrain is dominated by agricultural land interspersed with patches of pine forest and mixed hardwood stands. Sandy soils are common throughout the area, a characteristic feature of Georgia's Coastal Plain that contributes to the region's agricultural productivity. Small creeks and tributaries wind through the landscape, creating minor drainage patterns that have shaped the local topography over time.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Fitzgerald would be the expansive flat to gently sloping agricultural fields that dominate the surrounding countryside. These open areas offer several advantages including minimal shading from trees or structures, relatively level ground that reduces installation complexity, and existing cleared land that eliminates the need for extensive site preparation. The areas to the west and southwest of Fitzgerald present particularly favorable conditions, where large tracts of farmland provide ample space for solar arrays. These locations benefit from the gentle southern-facing slopes that naturally optimize panel positioning for maximum solar exposure throughout the day. The sandy soil composition in these areas also facilitates easier installation of mounting systems and reduces construction challenges. Agricultural fields that have been recently harvested or are lying fallow represent ideal candidates for solar development, as they typically feature minimal vegetation and relatively uniform terrain. The proximity to existing electrical infrastructure along rural roads also makes these locations more economically viable for connecting solar installations to the power grid. Areas near the intersection of major county roads often provide the best combination of suitable topography and infrastructure access. The relatively stable soil conditions and good drainage characteristics of the local terrain help ensure long-term foundation stability for solar mounting systems, while the open exposure minimizes concerns about future shading from growing vegetation.

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.