Solar PV Analysis of Grants Pass, United States
Grants Pass, Oregon, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. The location's seasonal variations in solar output highlight both opportunities and challenges for those considering solar installations in this area.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Grants Pass varies significantly throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 8.15 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 6.68 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in production, with autumn yielding 3.77 kWh/day and winter plummeting to a mere 1.87 kWh/day.
This stark seasonal contrast means that solar energy systems in Grants Pass will be most effective from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer days and clearer skies contribute to optimal solar generation conditions. Conversely, the winter months present significant challenges due to shorter days, increased cloud cover, and potentially snow or frost on panels.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Grants Pass, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 35 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to balance the varying solar elevations throughout the year, ensuring the best possible annual energy yield.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors specific to Grants Pass may impact solar energy production:
- Wildfire smoke: The region is prone to seasonal wildfires, which can significantly reduce solar efficiency by blocking sunlight.
- Winter weather: Snow and frost accumulation on panels can temporarily halt energy production.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with a steeper tilt to encourage snow sliding off and invest in regular cleaning services to remove ash and debris. Additionally, using microinverters or power optimizers can help maintain system efficiency when some panels are partially shaded or covered.
Despite these challenges, Grants Pass still offers a viable location for solar PV systems, especially when designed with local conditions in mind. The strong summer and spring performance can offset winter's reduced output, making it a worthwhile investment for those committed to renewable energy.
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 Grants Pass
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.3956, Longitude: -123.3528 (Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Grants Pass, United States (Lat/Long 42.3956, -123.3528) 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 Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 56° 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 Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass, United States
The topography around Grants Pass, Oregon, is characterized by a diverse and scenic landscape. The city itself sits in a valley along the Rogue River, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. To the west and southwest, you'll find the rugged Siskiyou Mountains, while the Cascade Range lies to the east. The area features a mix of forested slopes, open meadows, and river valleys.
The terrain immediately surrounding Grants Pass is relatively flat, with gentle hills becoming more pronounced as you move away from the city center. The Rogue River cuts through the landscape, creating a winding corridor of water and steep banks. As you travel further from town, the elevation increases more dramatically, with some nearby peaks reaching heights of over 4,000 feet.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Ideal locations for solar farms typically have flat or gently sloping terrain, ample sunshine, and minimal shading from trees or mountains. With these criteria in mind, the following areas near Grants Pass could be potential candidates:
1. The valley floors to the north and south of Grants Pass offer relatively flat terrain and good sun exposure. These areas, particularly those with less productive agricultural land, could be suitable for solar installations.
2. The hills to the east of the city, heading towards Medford, have some open areas with southern exposure that could be favorable for solar panels. However, care would need to be taken to avoid heavily forested sections.
3. Some of the broader, flatter areas along the Rogue River Valley, especially those not prone to flooding, might be appropriate for solar farms. These locations often have good access to existing infrastructure as well.
It's important to note that while these areas may have suitable topography for solar PV, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and local zoning regulations would also play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects. Additionally, the region's climate, which includes periods of fog and cloud cover, should be carefully evaluated to ensure optimal solar energy production.
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 3rd 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.
