Flossmoor, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.25 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.26 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.32 kWh/day, while winter performance drops significantly to 1.99 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Flossmoor's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early fall. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the substantial drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during colder months.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Flossmoor, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 36-degree tilt angle facing south. This optimal angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, compensating for the sun's changing position throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Flossmoor's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. The area experiences cold winters with occasional heavy snowfall, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. To mitigate this, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Regular panel cleaning may also be necessary.

Cloud cover, particularly during fall and winter months, can impact solar output. While modern solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, their efficiency is reduced. Implementing a system with micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maximize energy production during periods of partial shading.

Lastly, Flossmoor's proximity to Chicago means it may experience urban air pollution, which can slightly decrease panel efficiency over time. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help counteract this effect and ensure optimal performance.

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 Flossmoor

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.5436, Longitude: -87.6826 (Flossmoor, 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 36° South in Flossmoor, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Flossmoor, United States (Lat/Long 41.5436, -87.6826) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Flossmoor, 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 Flossmoor, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
26° South in Summer	45° South in Autumn	56° South in Winter	34° 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 Flossmoor, 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 Flossmoor, 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 Flossmoor, United States

The topography around Flossmoor, Illinois, located at 41.5436°N and 87.6826°W, is predominantly characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This area, situated in the southern suburbs of Chicago, is part of the vast Central Lowlands region. The landscape is generally flat to slightly undulating, with subtle elevation changes that are barely noticeable to the casual observer. Flossmoor and its surrounding areas were shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of low hills, shallow depressions, and expansive prairies. The elevation in this region typically ranges from about 600 to 700 feet above sea level, with only minor variations across the landscape. Small streams and creeks meander through the area, but there are no significant mountains or steep valleys to speak of.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat terrain in the vicinity of Flossmoor is generally favorable for solar development, as it minimizes the need for extensive land grading and allows for efficient panel placement. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found in the more rural regions to the south and east of Flossmoor. These areas often feature expansive agricultural lands and open fields that could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. The lack of significant topographical barriers in these directions means that there are fewer obstacles to block sunlight and reduce solar panel efficiency. However, it's important to note that the Chicago metropolitan area, including Flossmoor and its surroundings, experiences a moderate amount of cloud cover throughout the year. This factor, along with the region's latitude, means that solar energy potential is not as high as in some other parts of the United States. Nevertheless, with advancing solar technology and the increasing demand for renewable energy, large-scale solar PV projects could still be viable in this area, particularly on land that is not prime for agriculture or other development. Any potential solar development would need to take into account local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and the proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. The flat, open spaces to the south and east of Flossmoor, where population density decreases and more land is available, would likely offer the best opportunities for large-scale solar PV installations 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!

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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.