Solar PV Analysis of Fort Recovery, United States
Fort Recovery, Ohio, in the United States, offers moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar production capability.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels at this location perform best during summer months, generating approximately 6.31kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.52kWh/day per kW installed. Production drops considerably during autumn to 3.58kWh/day and reaches its lowest point in winter at just 2.29kWh/day per kW of installed capacity.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production (nearly a threefold decrease) reflects the typical seasonal pattern for locations in the northern United States, where shorter days and lower sun angles significantly impact winter generation.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Fort Recovery, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing South. This specific angle optimizes the balance between summer and winter production, accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
Several environmental factors could impact solar production at this location:
- Winter snow accumulation can temporarily reduce output by covering panels. This can be mitigated by installing panels at the recommended 35-degree tilt, which helps snow slide off more easily than flatter installations.
- Cloud cover in the Great Lakes region, particularly during late autumn and winter months, contributes to the lower seasonal output. While unavoidable, using high-efficiency panels can help maximize production during limited sunlight periods.
- Occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, necessitates robust mounting systems that can withstand high winds.
To maximize production in this location, regular panel cleaning to remove dust, pollen, and other debris is recommended, especially after winter. Additionally, considering a ground-mounted system with potential for seasonal tilt adjustments could further optimize output across seasons, though this adds complexity and cost compared to fixed installations.
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 Fort Recovery
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.4128, Longitude: -84.7763 (Fort Recovery, 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 35° South in Fort Recovery, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fort Recovery, United States (Lat/Long 40.4128, -84.7763) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Fort Recovery, 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 Fort Recovery, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 33° 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 Fort Recovery, 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 Fort Recovery, 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 Fort Recovery, United States
Fort Recovery is situated in the western part of Ohio, close to the Indiana border. The topography of this area is characterized by gently rolling plains, typical of the broader Midwestern landscape. The terrain around Fort Recovery is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with subtle elevation changes that occur gradually across the landscape.
The region sits within what geographers refer to as the Central Lowlands province of the Interior Plains. This area was heavily influenced by glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch, resulting in a landscape that has been smoothed and leveled by the movement of ice sheets. The retreat of these glaciers left behind fertile soil deposits and a relatively uniform topographical profile.
Waterways and Drainage
The Wabash River, a significant regional waterway, has its headwaters near Fort Recovery. The river and its tributaries have carved shallow valleys into the landscape, creating minor variations in the otherwise level terrain. These waterways form part of the broader Mississippi River drainage basin.
Small streams and drainage patterns intersect the area, flowing generally westward and southwestward. These waterways have minimal impact on the overall flatness of the region but do create some localized changes in elevation near their banks.
Elevation Patterns
The elevation around Fort Recovery averages approximately 950-1,000 feet above sea level. The changes in elevation are gradual, with minimal dramatic rises or falls in the landscape. This relatively consistent elevation profile is beneficial for construction projects that require large, level spaces.
The highest points in the vicinity are subtle rises that may be only 50-75 feet above the surrounding countryside. These gentle hills do not significantly obstruct views or create major shadows across the landscape.
Solar PV Suitability
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the areas most suitable near Fort Recovery would be the extensive agricultural lands that dominate the region. These locations offer several advantages:
The flat terrain minimizes the need for extensive grading and site preparation, reducing installation costs. The open farmland provides expansive, contiguous spaces that could accommodate large arrays of solar panels. Areas slightly elevated above the Wabash River and its tributaries would be preferable to avoid potential flooding concerns.
Specifically, the rural lands extending east and southeast of Fort Recovery present prime opportunities for solar development. These areas combine favorable topographical features with suitable land use patterns. The gently rolling fields provide good drainage while maintaining the essentially flat character needed for efficient panel arrangement.
Areas to potentially avoid would include the immediate floodplains of the Wabash River and its tributaries, as well as any wetland areas that may exist in localized depressions. Additionally, the small wooded sections that dot the landscape would require clearing, potentially increasing development costs and environmental impacts.
The northwestern portions of Mercer County and adjacent areas in Jay County, Indiana also demonstrate favorable characteristics for solar development. These regions share the same basic topographical profile of level to gently undulating terrain, with good solar exposure due to limited natural obstructions.
In summary, the topography around Fort Recovery presents few obstacles to large-scale solar PV development. The predominant characteristics of flat terrain, open landscapes, and minimal natural barriers create numerous potential sites for solar installations throughout the surrounding countryside.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 1st of May 2025
Last Updated: Monday 22nd of September 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
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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.
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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.
