Solar PV Analysis of Grinnell, United States
Grinnell, Iowa, is a decent location for year-round energy generation using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, the effectiveness varies with each season due to changes in sunlight exposure and weather conditions.
In summer, this location can generate about 6.68 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This is the ideal time as the days are longer and sunnier.
During autumn, production drops to around 3.73 kWh/day per kW because there's less daylight and possibly more cloudy days compared to summer.
Winter sees further reduction down to approximately 2.75 kWh/day per kW due partly to shorter daylight hours and potentially cloudier or snowier weather obstructing sunlight from reaching the panels.
Spring sees an increase again up to about 5.27 kWh/day per kW due mainly to longer daytime hours as we move towards summer again.
To maximize total annual solar PV output at this location, it’s best if fixed panel installations are tilted at an angle of 37 degrees facing southwards so they can catch as much sunlight as possible throughout different times of the year.
There could be factors that may hinder solar production in Grinnell such as heavy snowfall in winter months covering panels or frequent cloudy/rainy weather reducing direct sunlight on panels especially during fall/winter seasons when these conditions are more likely prevalent here than other times of year
To counteract these issues you might consider installing devices that can clear off snow automatically from your panels; also consider investing into high-quality efficient PV systems which perform better under low-light/cloudy conditions; ensure regular maintenance/cleaning checks on your system so it performs optimally even under less-than-ideal environmental/weather circumstances; finally placing your installation where it gets least amount of shade throughout day/year will help enhance its performance too by maximizing exposure to available sunlight whenever present regardless season or weather conditions.
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 Grinnell
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.7387, Longitude: -92.7332 (Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Grinnell, United States (Lat/Long 41.7387, -92.7332) 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 Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, United States
Grinnell, located in the state of Iowa, United States, is characterized by a relatively flat topography as it is situated in the Midwestern region known for its prairie landscapes. The terrain around Grinnell includes open plains and agricultural land with small rolling hills.
Given these geographical features, large-scale solar PV installations could be potentially suitable in several areas near Grinnell. Open plains and farmlands can serve as excellent locations due to their flatness which allows for easy installation of solar panels and maximum sun exposure. However, this should not compromise agricultural activities that are also crucial to the area's economy.
Before setting up such projects though, factors like local climate (number of sunny days per year), soil stability, proximity to power grids for energy transmission and local environmental regulations need to be considered thoroughly. It would also require consultation with local communities and stakeholders.
One potential location could be unused or less productive farmland where there would be minimal disruption to existing land use. Another possible site could be on rooftops of large buildings within industrial zones or on structures like carports in parking lots which wouldn't require additional land use.
Please note that while this answer provides a general idea based on geographic characteristics alone, conducting an extensive feasibility study considering all relevant factors is essential before deciding upon specific sites for large-scale solar PV installations.
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: Tuesday 30th of April 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.
