Solar PV Analysis of Joplin, United States
Joplin, Missouri, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at latitude 37.0494 and longitude -94.5069 provides varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Joplin experiences significant fluctuations across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.92 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 5.21 kWh/day. Autumn sees a decrease in production to 4.24 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.76 kWh/day.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Joplin, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and Joplin's specific latitude.
Peak Production Periods
The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Joplin are during the summer months, typically from June through August. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to peak solar panel efficiency. Spring and early autumn also offer favorable conditions for solar production, with moderate temperatures and ample sunlight.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Joplin's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Severe weather: Joplin is located in "Tornado Alley" and can experience strong storms and tornadoes, particularly in spring and early summer.
- Snow and ice: Winter months may see occasional snowfall and ice accumulation, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Joplin should incorporate sturdy mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Additionally, panels should be installed at an angle that facilitates natural snow and ice shedding. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially after severe weather events, can help ensure optimal performance year-round.
Overall, while Joplin faces some seasonal variations and weather-related challenges, it remains a viable location for solar energy production with proper planning and installation techniques.
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 Joplin
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.0494, Longitude: -94.5069 (Joplin, 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 32° South in Joplin, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Joplin, United States (Lat/Long 37.0494, -94.5069) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 41° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 30° 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, United States
The topography around Joplin, Missouri, is characterized by gently rolling hills and plains typical of the Ozark Plateau region. This area, known as the Tri-State District, features a mix of open grasslands, scattered woodlands, and shallow valleys. The landscape is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level.
Joplin itself sits in a relatively flat area, but the terrain becomes more varied as you move away from the city center. To the east and southeast, the land gradually rises towards the Ozark Mountains, while to the west and southwest, it transitions into the flatter prairies of Kansas and Oklahoma.
The region's topography has been influenced by its mining history, with some areas showing evidence of past extraction activities. Small streams and creeks crisscross the landscape, creating minor variations in the terrain.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas near Joplin would be:
- Open farmland to the west and northwest: These areas offer large, flat expanses with minimal shading from trees or hills. The gently sloping terrain in this direction provides good sun exposure throughout the day.
- Reclaimed mine lands: The region's history of lead and zinc mining has left behind some open, cleared areas that could be repurposed for solar farms. These sites often have existing infrastructure and are already zoned for industrial use.
- South-facing hillsides: While not as ideal as flat land, some of the gently sloping hills to the south of Joplin could be suitable for solar installations. These areas may require some grading but can offer good sun exposure.
- Agricultural land to the northeast: This area features a mix of open fields and lightly wooded areas. With some clearing, these spaces could accommodate large solar arrays.
When considering locations for solar PV installations, it's important to factor in not just the topography but also proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, local zoning laws, and environmental considerations. The relatively open nature of much of the land surrounding Joplin makes it generally favorable for solar development, with the western and northwestern areas likely offering the most potential for large-scale 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: Thursday 5th of September 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.
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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.
