Solar PV Analysis of Kenner, United States
Kenner, Louisiana, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a generally favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at 30.0249° N latitude and -90.2526° W longitude offers substantial potential for harnessing solar energy, with varying levels of efficiency across seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panel performance in Kenner fluctuates with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, yielding an impressive 5.96 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.54 kWh/day. Autumn sees a slight decrease in output at 4.70 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 3.15 kWh/day per kW installed.
The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during summer and spring contribute to peak solar energy production. These seasons offer ideal conditions for maximizing solar panel efficiency and overall energy output.
Optimal Panel Tilt
For fixed panel installations in Kenner, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental Considerations
While Kenner's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
1. Humidity: The region's high humidity levels can potentially reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help mitigate this issue.
2. Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Kenner's proximity to the Gulf Coast makes it vulnerable to severe weather events. Installing sturdy mounting systems and using impact-resistant panels can enhance the durability of solar installations.
3. Cloud Cover: The area experiences periods of cloudiness, particularly during the hurricane season. Utilizing microinverters or power optimizers can help maintain energy production during partially cloudy conditions.
By addressing these factors through proper installation techniques and equipment choices, solar energy systems in Kenner can achieve optimal performance and longevity, making the most of the region's abundant solar resources.
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 Kenner
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 30.0249, Longitude: -90.2526 (Kenner, 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 27° South in Kenner, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kenner, United States (Lat/Long 30.0249, -90.2526) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Kenner, 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 Kenner, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14° South in Summer | 35° South in Autumn | 45° South in Winter | 23° 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 Kenner, 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 Kenner, 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 Kenner, United States
The topography around Kenner, Louisiana, which is located at approximately 30.0249 degrees north latitude and 90.2526 degrees west longitude, is characterized by its low-lying, flat terrain. This area is part of the Mississippi River Delta region, known for its expansive wetlands, marshes, and swamps.
Kenner itself sits at an average elevation of just a few feet above sea level. The surrounding landscape is predominantly flat, with very little variation in elevation. To the north of Kenner, you'll find Lake Pontchartrain, a large, shallow estuary. To the south and east, the Mississippi River meanders through the region, creating natural levees and floodplains.
The immediate vicinity of Kenner consists of urban and suburban development, interspersed with patches of wetlands and drainage canals. As you move further away from the city, particularly to the west and southwest, you'll encounter more extensive wetland areas and bayous.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The ideal location would have ample open space, minimal shading from trees or buildings, and be situated on slightly higher ground to reduce the risk of flooding.
Given these criteria, the areas west and southwest of Kenner might offer the best potential for large-scale solar PV projects. These regions have more open land that is less densely populated, potentially providing the necessary space for solar arrays. However, it's important to note that the prevalence of wetlands in this area could pose challenges for development and may require careful environmental considerations.
Another possibility could be repurposing some of the industrial areas along the Mississippi River, south of Kenner. These locations often have large, flat surfaces (such as warehouse roofs) that could be suitable for solar panel installation.
It's worth mentioning that while the flat terrain of the region is generally favorable for solar installations, the area's susceptibility to hurricanes and flooding should be carefully considered in any large-scale solar PV planning. Additionally, local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and grid connection capabilities would need to be thoroughly assessed before determining the most suitable locations for 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: Wednesday 31st 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
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