Solar PV Analysis of Highland Park, United States
Highland Park, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. Based on the provided data, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for areas at similar latitudes.
During the summer months, Highland Park shows excellent potential for solar energy generation, with an average daily output of 6.24 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high production is due to longer daylight hours and the sun's higher position in the sky. Spring also offers good solar potential, with a daily average of 5.20 kWh per kW, making it the second-best season for solar energy production in this area.
However, the autumn and winter months see a substantial decrease in solar energy generation. Autumn produces an average of 3.17 kWh per day per kW installed, while winter drops to a mere 1.80 kWh per day. This significant reduction is primarily due to shorter daylight hours, lower sun angles, and potentially increased cloud cover during these seasons.
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, it's recommended to install fixed solar panels at a tilt angle of 36 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angles.
While Highland Park's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact efficiency. The area's proximity to Lake Michigan may lead to increased cloud cover and humidity, potentially reducing solar irradiance. Additionally, the region experiences cold winters with possible snow accumulation, which could temporarily cover solar panels and reduce their output.
To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be taken during solar installation:
- Use high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions to maximize energy production during cloudy days.
- Install panels at the recommended 36-degree tilt to help shed snow more easily in winter.
- Consider incorporating a snow removal system or plan for regular manual clearing of panels during winter months.
- Implement a robust mounting system to withstand potential high winds from the lake.
- Use anti-reflective coatings on panels to capture more light in low-angle winter sun conditions.
In conclusion, while Highland Park experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, with proper planning and installation techniques, it can still be a viable location for solar PV systems. The summer and spring months offer excellent generation potential, which can help offset the reduced production during autumn and winter.
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 Highland Park
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.176, Longitude: -87.809 (Highland Park, 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 36° South in Highland Park, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Highland Park, United States (Lat/Long 42.176, -87.809) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Highland Park, 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 Highland Park, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° 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 Highland Park, 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 Highland Park, 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 Highland Park, United States
Highland Park, Illinois is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, about 25 miles north of Chicago. The topography of the area is characterized by:
1. Gently rolling terrain: The area around Highland Park features mostly flat to gently rolling landscapes, typical of the Midwest region.
2. Ravines: The city is known for its ravine system, which creates some local variations in elevation and slopes.
3. Lakeshore bluffs: Along Lake Michigan, there are some bluffs and higher elevations.
4. Relatively low elevation: The area's elevation ranges from about 580 to 700 feet above sea level.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable nearby areas would likely be:
1. Former agricultural lands: Areas to the west and northwest of Highland Park, where there might be larger open spaces previously used for farming.
2. Industrial zones: Areas south of Highland Park, closer to Chicago's northern suburbs, may have more extensive industrial or commercial zones suitable for solar installations.
3. Brownfield sites: Any nearby former industrial sites or landfills that have been remediated could be good candidates for solar farms.
4. Large flat rooftops: While not "nearby" in a strict sense, the abundance of commercial and industrial buildings in the greater Chicago area could provide significant space for rooftop solar installations.
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV, it's important to note:
1. The area should be relatively flat and free from shading by trees or buildings.
2. Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure is beneficial.
3. Local zoning laws and regulations need to be considered.
4. The site should not conflict with protected natural areas or prime agricultural land.
Given the urban and suburban nature of the area around Highland Park, finding very large contiguous areas for solar farms might be challenging. Smaller distributed projects or a focus on rooftop installations might be more feasible in this region.
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: Wednesday 17th of July 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.
