Franksville, Wisconsin, in the United States, offers varied potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Franksville demonstrate substantial seasonal variation in energy output. Summer stands out as the most productive season, generating approximately 6.21kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.15kWh daily output per kW installed. Production drops considerably in autumn to 3.11kWh/day, while winter sees the lowest generation at just 1.74kWh/day per kW installed.

This pattern creates a nearly 3.6-fold difference between the best and worst producing seasons, which is typical for locations at this northern latitude. The most favorable period for solar generation spans from late April through early September, when longer days and higher sun angles maximize panel exposure.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Franksville, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 36 degrees facing South. This specific angle optimizes annual energy harvest by balancing seasonal sun position variations throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar production at this Wisconsin location:

• Snow accumulation during winter months can significantly reduce output by covering panels, particularly problematic given winter already has the lowest production rates
• Frequent cloud cover in the Great Lakes region, especially during late autumn and winter
• Potential shading from deciduous trees that may be more impactful during spring and summer when trees have foliage
• Occasional severe weather including thunderstorms and hail during summer months

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented. Installing panels at the recommended 36-degree tilt helps snow slide off more easily. Regular panel cleaning and snow removal during winter can maintain efficiency. Strategic tree trimming around the installation area prevents shading issues. Additionally, quality hail-resistant panels and proper mounting systems can protect against weather damage, while microinverters or power optimizers help minimize production losses from partial shading.

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 Franksville

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.76, Longitude: -87.9134 (Franksville, 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 Franksville, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Franksville, United States (Lat/Long 42.76, -87.9134) 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 Franksville, 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 Franksville, 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
27° South in Summer	46° South in Autumn	57° South in Winter	35° 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 Franksville, 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 Franksville, 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 Franksville, United States

The topography around Franksville, Wisconsin, is characterized primarily by gently rolling terrain typical of the eastern Wisconsin landscape. Situated in Racine County, the area features modest elevation changes with a generally flat to slightly undulating profile. The land gradually slopes toward Lake Michigan to the east, though the lake itself is approximately 10 miles from Franksville. The region was heavily influenced by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in the creation of drumlins, moraines, and kettle formations that subtly define the local landscape. The Root River, a tributary of Lake Michigan, flows through the vicinity, creating shallow valleys and natural drainage patterns. The surrounding countryside consists of a mixture of agricultural fields, scattered woodlots, and small wetland areas. Elevations in this region typically range between 700 and 800 feet above sea level, with minimal dramatic changes in topography.

Solar PV Suitability in the Surrounding Region

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, several areas near Franksville offer promising characteristics. The most suitable locations would be the open agricultural lands that dominate the landscape west and southwest of Franksville. These areas benefit from relatively flat terrain with minimal shading concerns from natural features. The agricultural fields provide large, contiguous spaces that could accommodate substantial solar arrays without requiring significant land clearing or grading. The slightly elevated areas to the west of Franksville might be particularly advantageous for solar development, as they tend to have better drainage and reduced fog occurrence compared to lower-lying areas near water features. These modest rises in the landscape often receive more consistent solar exposure throughout the year. Areas to potentially avoid would include the scattered wetlands and wooded sections, particularly those associated with the Root River watershed. These locations present both environmental sensitivities and practical challenges for solar development. Similarly, the more developed corridors along Interstate 94 and Highway 20 would pose complications related to existing infrastructure, though some commercial or industrial zones in these areas might offer brownfield redevelopment opportunities for solar installations. The generally open character of the landscape, combined with the adequate regional solar resource, makes much of the rural land surrounding Franksville potentially viable for large-scale solar PV development, with the most promising sites being the expansive agricultural areas that feature minimal slope, good drainage, and limited natural obstructions.

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.