Hazelhurst, Wisconsin is a moderately suitable location for year-round solar energy generation, though it faces significant seasonal challenges typical of northern temperate climates. The location produces its highest solar output during summer months at 6.47 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making this the ideal time for solar generation.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Spring offers the second-best solar production at 4.97 kWh per day per kW, providing good energy generation as daylight hours increase. Autumn sees a notable decline to 3.04 kWh per day per kW as the sun's angle decreases. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with solar output dropping dramatically to just 1.94 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. For optimal year-round performance at this location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes total annual energy production by accounting for the sun's varying position throughout the year and the location's latitude.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant factors can impede solar production in Hazelhurst, Wisconsin:

• Heavy snow accumulation during winter months can completely block solar panels
• Ice formation can create additional barriers to sunlight and potentially damage equipment
• Frequent cloud cover during winter reduces available solar irradiance
• Cold temperatures, while actually improving panel efficiency, can cause thermal stress and equipment issues
• Strong winds and ice storms common in the region can damage solar installations

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be considered. Panels should be mounted at steeper angles (closer to the recommended 39 degrees) to encourage snow shedding through gravity. Installing panels with adequate spacing between rows prevents snow accumulation and shadowing between panel arrays. Using mounting systems designed for high wind and snow loads ensures structural integrity during severe weather events. Anti-reflective coatings and heating elements can help prevent ice buildup, though the cost-benefit must be carefully evaluated. Regular maintenance access should be planned for snow removal and cleaning. Selecting high-quality panels rated for extreme temperature variations and installing proper drainage systems helps prevent ice dam formation. Battery storage systems become particularly valuable at this location to store excess summer production for use during the low-production winter months.

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 Hazelhurst

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.8077, Longitude: -89.7251 (Hazelhurst, 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 39° South in Hazelhurst, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hazelhurst, United States (Lat/Long 45.8077, -89.7251) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Hazelhurst, 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 Hazelhurst, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
29° South in Summer	49° South in Autumn	59° South in Winter	39° 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 Hazelhurst, 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 Hazelhurst, 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 Hazelhurst, United States

Topography Around Hazelhurst, Wisconsin

The landscape surrounding Hazelhurst in north-central Wisconsin is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the state's glaciated regions. This area sits within the Northwoods, where ancient glacial activity has created a relatively flat to moderately undulating topography with elevations generally ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 feet above sea level. The terrain features numerous small hills and shallow valleys, interspersed with wetlands, lakes, and streams that are remnants of the last ice age.

Dense forests of mixed hardwood and coniferous trees dominate the region, creating a heavily wooded environment that extends for miles in all directions. These forests consist primarily of maple, oak, birch, pine, and spruce, forming a thick canopy across much of the landscape. Numerous small lakes and ponds dot the area, connected by seasonal streams and bordered by marshy wetlands that support diverse wildlife populations.

The soil composition varies throughout the region, with sandy loam and clay-rich deposits left behind by retreating glaciers. Some areas feature exposed bedrock or thin soil layers over granite formations, while others have deeper, more fertile soils. The drainage patterns create a network of small watersheds that flow into larger river systems, contributing to the area's abundant water resources.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations would be found in the cleared agricultural areas and open fields that exist scattered throughout this predominantly forested region. These sites typically offer the necessary combination of relatively flat terrain, minimal shading, and existing access infrastructure that make solar development economically viable.

Former agricultural lands and pastures present the best opportunities, as they often feature gentle slopes with southern or southwestern exposure that would maximize solar collection potential. These areas have already been cleared of trees and typically have established road access, reducing development costs and environmental impact compared to forested sites that would require extensive clearing.

Areas near existing electrical transmission infrastructure would be particularly advantageous for large-scale solar development. The region's proximity to established power lines and substations could significantly reduce interconnection costs and complexity. Additionally, sites with good drainage characteristics would be preferable to avoid issues with standing water that could affect equipment performance and maintenance access.

The relatively stable ground conditions in areas with deeper soil deposits would provide better foundations for solar mounting systems compared to locations with shallow soil over bedrock. Sites that avoid the numerous wetlands and protected water features would also be essential for regulatory compliance and environmental protection.

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.