Graham, North Carolina represents a moderately good location for year-round solar energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations that potential solar installers should carefully consider.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location shows a typical pattern for the Northern Temperate Zone, with summer producing the highest energy yields at 6.67 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season with 5.88 kWh per day per kW, making these warmer months ideal for solar generation. Autumn sees a notable decline to 4.26 kWh per day per kW, while winter presents the most challenging conditions with only 2.66 kWh per day per kW. This represents a dramatic difference of about 60% less production compared to peak summer output, which is typical for this latitude but requires careful planning for year-round energy needs.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round solar production at Graham, North Carolina, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 31 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual energy output by accounting for the sun's varying position throughout the year and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several local factors in Graham, North Carolina can potentially impact solar energy production:

• Humidity and atmospheric haze common in the southeastern United States can reduce solar irradiance
• Frequent thunderstorms during summer months may cause temporary production interruptions
• Ice storms in winter can damage panels or reduce efficiency when ice accumulates
• Tree pollen in spring can coat panels and reduce light transmission
• The region's clay soil may create dust issues during dry periods

Preventative Measures for Better Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies can help. Regular cleaning schedules should be established, particularly during high-pollen spring months and after dust storms. Installing panels with adequate spacing allows for proper air circulation, which helps reduce efficiency losses from high humidity and heat. Choosing panels with anti-reflective coatings and hydrophobic surfaces can help shed water, ice, and debris more effectively. Proper mounting systems should be selected to withstand potential ice loading and high winds from thunderstorms. Ground-mounted systems may be preferable to rooftop installations in this location, as they allow easier access for cleaning and maintenance while providing better angle optimization. Additionally, installing micro-inverters or power optimizers can help minimize production losses when individual panels are partially shaded or dirty. Despite these environmental challenges, Graham's location still offers reasonable solar potential, particularly during the extended warm season from spring through early autumn when solar production remains strong for approximately six to seven months of 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 Graham

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.069, Longitude: -79.4006 (Graham, 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 31° South in Graham, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Graham, United States (Lat/Long 36.069, -79.4006) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Graham, 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 Graham, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	51° South in Winter	29° 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 Graham, 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 Graham, 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 Graham, United States

Topographical Features Around Graham, North Carolina

Graham sits in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively moderate elevation changes. The terrain around this Alamance County seat features a mix of agricultural land, forested areas, and developed spaces typical of the central North Carolina landscape. The topography is generally favorable for development, with most areas experiencing gradual slopes rather than steep inclines or dramatic elevation changes.

The region lies between the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains to the west and the flatter coastal plains to the east. This positioning creates a landscape of undulating hills interspersed with river valleys and creek beds. The Haw River flows through the area, creating some of the more pronounced topographical features in the immediate vicinity, though these water features represent relatively minor elevation changes in the broader context.

Much of the land around Graham consists of former agricultural fields that have either remained in cultivation or transitioned to other uses over time. These areas typically feature gentle slopes that drain naturally, making them well-suited for various types of development. The soil composition in the region is generally stable, consisting primarily of clay and sandy loam that provides good foundation support.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Graham would be the expansive agricultural fields and cleared areas that dot the landscape south and southeast of the town center. These areas offer several advantages including relatively flat terrain with gentle southern-facing slopes that would naturally optimize solar panel orientation. The agricultural nature of much of this land means fewer obstacles such as large trees or existing structures that could create shading issues.

Areas along the major transportation corridors, particularly near Interstate 85 and Interstate 40, present excellent opportunities for solar development. These locations benefit from existing infrastructure access while often featuring large parcels of underutilized land. The proximity to major highways also facilitates easier construction access and ongoing maintenance operations.

The terrain immediately north and northwest of Graham tends to be slightly more rolling, which could still accommodate solar installations but might require more careful site planning to optimize panel placement and minimize grading costs. However, these areas often feature larger contiguous parcels that could support substantial solar arrays when properly designed.

Former industrial sites and brownfields in the region could also serve as excellent candidates for solar development. These areas typically feature level ground with existing electrical infrastructure nearby, reducing both development costs and environmental impact compared to greenfield sites. The relatively stable geological conditions throughout the Piedmont region mean that most cleared areas can support the structural requirements of large solar installations without extensive site preparation.

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.