Solar PV Analysis of Killeen, United States
Killeen, Texas, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. With its geographical coordinates at 31.0065° N latitude and 97.8406° W longitude, this location experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar PV systems in Killeen demonstrate strong performance during summer months, producing an average of 6.84 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring and autumn also show promising results, with daily outputs of 5.34 kWh and 5.15 kWh, respectively. Winter sees a decrease in production, averaging 3.38 kWh per day, but still maintains a reasonable output.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal period for solar energy production in Killeen spans from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. However, the region's relatively mild winters and abundant sunshine year-round make solar PV systems a viable option throughout the entire year.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Killeen, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 28 degrees facing south. This angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position, ensuring efficient energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Killeen generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider:
- Occasional severe thunderstorms and hailstorms may pose a risk to solar panels.
- High summer temperatures can slightly reduce panel efficiency.
To mitigate these risks, installing hail-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation beneath the panels can help maintain optimal performance and longevity of the solar PV system. Additionally, regular cleaning to remove dust and debris will help maximize energy production in this semi-arid climate.
Overall, Killeen's climate and geographical location make it a highly suitable area for solar energy generation, with potential for significant energy production throughout the year.
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 Killeen
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.0065, Longitude: -97.8406 (Killeen, 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 28° South in Killeen, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Killeen, United States (Lat/Long 31.0065, -97.8406) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Killeen, 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 Killeen, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15° South in Summer | 36° South in Autumn | 47° South in Winter | 25° 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 Killeen, 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 Killeen, 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 Killeen, United States
The topography around Killeen, Texas is characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains typical of the Texas Hill Country and Blackland Prairie regions. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 700 to 900 feet above sea level, with some modest hills rising slightly higher in the surrounding landscape.
To the west of Killeen, the terrain becomes more rugged as it transitions into the Edwards Plateau, featuring limestone hills and deeper valleys. To the east, the land flattens out into the prairies that stretch towards the Gulf Coast. The area is dotted with numerous creeks and small rivers, including Nolan Creek which runs through Killeen itself.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found to the east and southeast of Killeen. These regions offer relatively flat terrain with fewer obstructions, which is ideal for solar farms. The open prairies in this direction provide ample space and consistent sunlight exposure throughout the day.
Areas to the immediate south of Killeen, extending towards Temple and Belton, might also be suitable. These locations offer a good balance of available land and proximity to existing infrastructure and population centers, which could be beneficial for energy distribution.
It's worth noting that while the hills to the west of Killeen might seem appealing due to their elevation, they may not be ideal for large-scale solar installations. The more varied terrain could create challenges in terms of construction and consistent sun exposure across a large array of solar panels.
When considering specific sites for solar PV development, factors beyond topography would also need to be taken into account. These include local zoning regulations, proximity to electrical grid infrastructure, and environmental considerations such as wildlife habitats and watershed protection areas.
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: Tuesday 20th 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.
