Solar PV Analysis of Friday Harbor, United States
Friday Harbor, Washington, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Friday Harbor, with an impressive daily output of 7.15 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.30 kWh per day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with outputs of 2.42 kWh and 1.34 kWh per day, respectively.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the longer, sunnier days of summer and the shorter, often overcast days of winter in this northern location. The substantial difference in seasonal output means that solar energy systems in Friday Harbor will be most effective from late spring through early fall.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Friday Harbor, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impede solar production in Friday Harbor:
- Frequent cloud cover, especially during autumn and winter months
- Potential for snow accumulation on panels during winter
- Marine layer fog, which can reduce solar irradiance
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels designed for low-light conditions
- Install snow guards or heating elements to prevent snow buildup
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove salt spray deposits
While Friday Harbor's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can help maximize the available solar resources, particularly during the more productive summer and spring seasons.
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 Friday Harbor
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.5445, Longitude: -123.0954 (Friday Harbor, 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 40° South in Friday Harbor, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Friday Harbor, United States (Lat/Long 48.5445, -123.0954) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Friday Harbor, 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 Friday Harbor, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32° South in Summer | 51° South in Autumn | 63° South in Winter | 41° 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 Friday Harbor, 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 Friday Harbor, 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 Friday Harbor, United States
The area around Friday Harbor, located in Washington State's San Juan Islands, features a diverse and picturesque topography. This coastal region is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, rocky shorelines, and forested areas. The landscape is the result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which carved out the islands and left behind a variety of geological features.
Friday Harbor itself is situated on San Juan Island, the second-largest island in the archipelago. The town is nestled in a natural harbor, surrounded by low-lying hills that gradually rise from the shoreline. As you move inland, the terrain becomes more varied, with a combination of open meadows, dense forests, and modest elevations. The highest point on San Juan Island, Mount Dallas, reaches an elevation of about 1,080 feet (329 meters) above sea level.
The surrounding waters of the Salish Sea create a unique microclimate for the region, moderating temperatures and influencing local weather patterns. This maritime environment contributes to the lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems found throughout the area.
Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are several factors to take into account:
The most suitable locations for solar PV in the vicinity of Friday Harbor would likely be found on the larger islands in the San Juan archipelago or on the mainland of Washington State. These areas offer more expansive, open spaces that could accommodate large-scale installations. Ideal sites would include:
- Open, south-facing slopes on the islands or mainland that receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day.
- Former agricultural lands or cleared areas that are not currently in use for other purposes.
- Regions with minimal tree cover to reduce shading and maximize solar potential.
- Areas close to existing power infrastructure to facilitate grid connection.
It's important to note that while the San Juan Islands receive a fair amount of sunshine, especially during the summer months, the region's climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover and precipitation, particularly in winter. This could impact the overall efficiency of solar PV installations compared to sunnier locations. Additionally, environmental considerations and local regulations would need to be carefully evaluated before developing any large-scale solar projects in this ecologically sensitive area.
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: Saturday 10th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
