Solar PV Analysis of Kennesaw, United States
Kennesaw, Georgia, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal solar output varies significantly, with peak production occurring during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.26kWh per day generated for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.84kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output at 4.42kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.74kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter output highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy production in Kennesaw. Despite the winter dip, the location still maintains a respectable year-round average, making it a viable option for solar PV installations.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Kennesaw, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 30-degree tilt angle facing south. This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Kennesaw's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Humidity: The region's subtropical climate can lead to high humidity levels, potentially affecting panel efficiency. Regular cleaning may be necessary to prevent moisture-related issues.
- Thunderstorms: Georgia experiences frequent thunderstorms, especially during summer. Lightning protection systems should be incorporated into solar installations to safeguard equipment.
To mitigate these factors, consider using high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and inverters. Implementing a robust mounting system can also help withstand strong winds associated with storms. Additionally, a comprehensive maintenance plan, including regular panel cleaning and system checks, can help ensure optimal performance throughout the year.
In conclusion, Kennesaw's location provides a good balance for year-round solar energy production, with summer and spring offering excellent output levels. While winter sees a significant drop in production, the overall annual performance makes solar PV a viable and attractive option for this area.
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 Kennesaw
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.0344, Longitude: -84.6002 (Kennesaw, 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 30° South in Kennesaw, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kennesaw, United States (Lat/Long 34.0344, -84.6002) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18° South in Summer | 39° South in Autumn | 49° South in Winter | 27° 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw, United States
The topography around Kennesaw, Georgia, in the United States is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Piedmont region. This area is situated at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain range, where the mountains transition into the coastal plain. The landscape features a mix of forested areas, open fields, and suburban developments.
Kennesaw itself is located at a higher elevation compared to the surrounding region, with Kennesaw Mountain being a prominent feature nearby. The terrain gradually slopes downward as you move away from the mountain, creating a varied landscape with small hills, shallow valleys, and occasional flat areas.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would be the relatively flat or gently sloping lands to the south and southeast of Kennesaw. These areas tend to have fewer trees and more open spaces, which is ideal for solar panel placement. The regions around Marietta and Smyrna, for example, might offer suitable locations for solar farms.
However, it's important to note that the entire region experiences a fair amount of tree cover and suburban development, which can limit the availability of large, uninterrupted spaces for solar installations. Ideal locations would be former agricultural lands or cleared areas that offer minimal shading from trees or buildings.
When considering solar PV installations in this area, developers would need to carefully assess factors such as land availability, local zoning regulations, and proximity to existing power infrastructure. Additionally, while the region receives ample sunlight throughout the year, the rolling terrain may require careful placement and angling of solar panels to maximize energy capture.
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: Friday 23rd of August 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.
