Solar PV Analysis of Granby, United States
Granby, Colorado, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a mixed landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This location, situated at latitude 40.0747 and longitude -105.9314, experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Granby, with an impressive daily output of 7.07 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, producing 5.93 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.30 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.95 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal changes on solar efficiency in this region. The longer daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer months contribute to the increased energy generation.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Granby, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and the sun's changing position across seasons.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
Granby's location in the Rocky Mountains presents some challenges for solar energy production. The area experiences significant snowfall during winter months, which can accumulate on solar panels and reduce their efficiency. To mitigate this issue, installers should consider:
- Using steeper tilt angles to encourage snow sliding off panels
- Installing snow guards or heating elements to prevent snow buildup
Additionally, the region's high altitude and clear skies can lead to increased UV exposure, potentially causing faster degradation of solar panel materials over time. Using high-quality, UV-resistant panels and regular maintenance can help counteract this effect.
Despite these challenges, Granby's location offers excellent potential for solar energy production, particularly from late spring through early fall. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide significant energy output 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 Granby
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.0747, Longitude: -105.9314 (Granby, 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 Granby, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Granby, United States (Lat/Long 40.0747, -105.9314) 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 Granby, 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 Granby, 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 Granby, 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 Granby, 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 Granby, United States
The topography around Granby, Colorado, is characterized by mountainous terrain typical of the Rocky Mountains. Granby sits in a valley surrounded by high peaks and rolling hills. The area features a mix of forested slopes, open meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes. The town itself is situated at an elevation of about 7,935 feet (2,419 meters) above sea level.
To the west and southwest of Granby, you'll find the Arapaho National Forest, which includes numerous peaks and valleys. The Continental Divide runs not far from Granby, creating a dramatic change in elevation and landscape. To the north and east, the terrain becomes slightly less mountainous, with more open areas and gentler slopes.
The nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, located to the northeast of Granby, features some of the most dramatic topography in the region, with peaks reaching over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) in elevation. The area around Granby also includes several lakes and reservoirs, such as Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Lake, which add to the varied landscape.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the mountainous terrain presents some challenges. However, there are potential locations that could be considered:
1. The more open, flatter areas to the north and east of Granby might be better suited for solar farms. These areas generally have fewer trees and more consistent sun exposure throughout the day.
2. Some of the wider valley floors in the region could potentially accommodate solar installations, provided they receive adequate sunlight and are not prone to shadowing from nearby mountains.
3. South-facing slopes with minimal tree cover could be considered for solar panel placement, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the year.
It's important to note that while the high elevation of the area can be beneficial for solar energy production due to decreased atmospheric interference, the mountainous terrain can create challenges in terms of access, grid connectivity, and consistent sun exposure. Any large-scale solar PV project in this region would require careful site selection and environmental impact assessments to ensure its feasibility and sustainability.
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: Tuesday 6th 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.
