Solar PV Analysis of Grafton, United States
Grafton, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a mixed landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. The location's potential for generating electricity via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems varies significantly across seasons, presenting both opportunities and challenges for renewable energy enthusiasts.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Grafton experiences notable fluctuations across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.35 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.20 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial decrease in energy production, with autumn yielding 3.12 kWh/day and winter dropping to a mere 1.73 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the ideal times for solar energy generation in Grafton. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during summer and spring make these seasons particularly favorable for solar PV systems. Conversely, the shorter days and lower sun angles in autumn and winter result in significantly reduced energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Grafton, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 37 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Grafton's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact system performance:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Cloudy days, particularly common in autumn and winter, may decrease energy output
To mitigate these challenges, solar installers can implement several preventative measures. These include using snow-shedding panel designs, installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding, and employing high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, such as clearing snow and debris from panels, can also help ensure optimal energy production year-round.
In conclusion, while Grafton's location presents some seasonal challenges for solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can help maximize the benefits of this renewable energy source throughout the year.
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 Grafton
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.3214, Longitude: -87.9495 (Grafton, 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 37° South in Grafton, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Grafton, United States (Lat/Long 43.3214, -87.9495) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Grafton, 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 Grafton, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° 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 | 47° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 36° 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 Grafton, 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 Grafton, 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 Grafton, United States
The area around Grafton, Wisconsin, located at 43.3214°N, 87.9495°W, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwest United States. This region, situated along the western shore of Lake Michigan, features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas. The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a subtle but varied topography.
The elevation in and around Grafton generally ranges from about 600 to 800 feet above sea level. The land gradually slopes upward as you move away from Lake Michigan to the east. To the west of Grafton, you'll find more pronounced hills and ridges, which are part of the Kettle Moraine region. This area is known for its distinctive glacial features, including small hills called kettles and elongated ridges known as moraines.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Based on the topography of the region, the following areas might be suitable:
1. The more level agricultural lands to the west and southwest of Grafton could be potential candidates. These areas often have large, open fields with minimal shading from trees or structures.
2. Some of the gently sloping hillsides in the Kettle Moraine region might also be suitable, particularly those facing south or southwest to maximize sun exposure.
3. Former industrial or brownfield sites in the broader Milwaukee metropolitan area could be repurposed for solar installations, taking advantage of already developed land.
However, it's important to note that while the topography in this region is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning laws, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar projects. Additionally, the proximity to Lake Michigan might influence local weather patterns, potentially affecting the overall efficiency of solar installations in the immediate coastal areas.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 9th of September 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.
