Solar PV Analysis of Highlands, United States
Highlands, North Carolina, is a fairly good location for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar PV varies with the seasons. During summer, you can expect to generate about 6.38 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of solar installed. This drops slightly in autumn to around 4.33 kWh/day and falls further in winter to approximately 2.70 kWh/day due to less sunlight hours and lower sun position. However, it increases again during spring to about 5.72 kWh/day.
Therefore, the most ideal times of the year for generating solar power at this location are during the summer and spring when there's more sunlight available.
To maximize total year-round production from your solar PV system at this location, you should tilt your panels towards south at an angle of 31 degrees which is optimal for capturing sunlight throughout all seasons.
There could be several environmental or local factors that may impede solar production at Highlands like tree coverage causing shading on panels or frequent cloudy weather reducing direct sunlight exposure on panels.
One way to prevent shading issues is by carefully choosing where you install your panels – avoid areas with heavy tree cover or buildings that cast long shadows over your installation site especially during peak sun hours (10am-3pm). If existing trees cause shade problem then pruning them might help but remember not to remove them completely as they provide other benefits like soil erosion control and habitat for wildlife.
As for cloudy weather conditions which are quite common in Highlands due its high elevation and mountainous terrain; unfortunately there isn't much one can do about it as it's a natural phenomenon beyond human control but having a battery storage system integrated with your solar PV setup would allow storing excess energy generated on sunny days which then can be used later when sun isn't shining bright enough.
Also consider regular cleaning and maintenance of your solar panels to ensure they're working at their highest efficiency. Dust, dirt or snow can accumulate on the panels over time reducing their ability to absorb sunlight effectively. Regular checks for any damage or malfunctioning parts would also help in maintaining optimal performance.
Overall, while there are some challenges with solar energy production in Highlands, North Carolina due to its specific geographical and climatic conditions; it's still a viable option worth considering especially if you're aiming for a greener and more sustainable source of electricity.
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 Highlands
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.0668, Longitude: -83.218 (Highlands, 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 31° South in Highlands, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Highlands, United States (Lat/Long 35.0668, -83.218) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 50° South in Winter | 28° 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, United States
Highlands, United States is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. The area is characterized by rolling hills, steep slopes, and high elevations with deeply incised valleys. It's a mountainous region that experiences significant rainfall and cloud cover due to its elevation.
As for solar PV installations, flat areas with maximum sun exposure would be most suitable. However, given Highlands' topography and climate characteristics, large-scale solar PV might not be the most efficient choice here as it has less direct sunlight compared to other regions in the US.
Areas nearby that could potentially be better suited for large-scale solar PV include lower-lying regions towards eastern North Carolina or South Carolina which have flatter terrain and receive more annual sunshine. These areas are more likely to provide an optimal environment for maximizing photovoltaic power generation from a large-scale installation.
It's also important to note that while geographical location and topography play a role in determining suitability for solar energy production, other factors such as local regulations on renewable energy infrastructure can also impact feasibility of such projects.
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: Monday 10th of June 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.
