Solar Energy Potential in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at latitude 31.3145 and longitude -89.3788, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position provides ample sunlight, making it a suitable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy production in Hattiesburg varies across seasons, with summer being the most productive period. During summer months, a solar PV system can generate an average of 6.12 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely, with an average daily output of 5.62 kWh/kW. Autumn sees a slight decrease in production, averaging 4.67 kWh/kW per day. Winter, as expected, has the lowest output at 3.01 kWh/kW per day.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed-panel installations in Hattiesburg, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 28 degrees facing south. This angle ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Best Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable period for solar energy production in Hattiesburg is from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar output. However, the city's subtropical climate allows for significant energy generation even during the winter months, albeit at a reduced rate.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Hattiesburg's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency: 1. Humidity: The region's high humidity levels may slightly reduce panel efficiency, especially during summer months. 2. Thunderstorms: Frequent afternoon thunderstorms in summer can temporarily reduce solar output. 3. Hurricane risk: Being relatively close to the Gulf Coast, Hattiesburg faces a risk of hurricane-related damage to solar installations. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-quality, weather-resistant panels designed for humid climates
• Install a robust mounting system capable of withstanding strong winds
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris
• Consider micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading

Despite these challenges, Hattiesburg's overall solar potential remains strong. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems in this location can provide substantial energy production throughout the year, contributing significantly to renewable energy goals.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Hattiesburg

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.3145, Longitude: -89.3788 (Hattiesburg, 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 28° South in Hattiesburg, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hattiesburg, United States (Lat/Long 31.3145, -89.3788) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
15° South in Summer	36° South in Autumn	47° South in Winter	24° 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 Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg, United States

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, located at latitude 31.3145 and longitude -89.3788, is situated in a region characterized by gently rolling hills and a mix of forested and agricultural landscapes. The topography around Hattiesburg is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 150 to 300 feet above sea level. The area is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain, which extends from Texas to Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. The terrain surrounding Hattiesburg features a combination of pine forests, hardwood forests, and cleared land used for agriculture and urban development. The city itself is nestled in the Pine Belt region, known for its abundant pine trees and timber industry. Several small rivers and creeks, including the Leaf River and Bouie River, flow through the area, creating shallow valleys and floodplains.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Hattiesburg, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those with relatively flat terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from trees or structures. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Hattiesburg could be potential candidates for solar PV development: Agricultural lands to the south and southeast of Hattiesburg offer expansive, open spaces with minimal elevation changes. These areas, particularly those in Forrest and Lamar counties, could provide ideal conditions for solar farms due to their flat terrain and lack of obstructions. The region north of Hattiesburg, extending into Jones County, also contains cleared areas and former timberlands that could be repurposed for solar energy production. While slightly more undulating than the southern regions, many of these locations still offer suitable topography for large-scale solar installations. Areas to the west and southwest of Hattiesburg, including parts of Lamar County, feature a mix of agricultural land and managed forests. Some of these locations, especially those with south-facing slopes, could be well-suited for solar PV projects. It's important to note that while the topography around Hattiesburg is generally favorable for solar development, other factors such as proximity to power transmission lines, local zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when selecting 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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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.