Solar PV Analysis of Kingman, United States
Kingman, Arizona, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's coordinates (35.2708, -114.0226) place it in an area with abundant sunshine, making it a promising site for solar power production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy output at this location varies significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 8.04 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 7.87 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decline to 5.31 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.81 kWh/day per kW installed.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in Kingman. Despite the winter dip, the location maintains a respectable year-round average, making it a viable option for solar PV installations.
Optimal Panel Positioning
For fixed panel installations in Kingman, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 31 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's orbit and the location's latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Kingman's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Dust and sand: The arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
- Extreme heat: Summer temperatures can soar, which may slightly decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be scheduled. Additionally, installing panels with a slight tilt can help prevent dust buildup and allow for natural cleaning during occasional rainfalls. Choosing high-quality, heat-resistant panels can also help maintain efficiency during hot summer months.
Overall, Kingman, Arizona presents an ideal location for solar PV energy generation, with its abundant sunshine and minimal environmental obstacles. The strong performance in summer and spring, coupled with reasonable output in autumn and winter, makes it a promising site for year-round solar energy production.
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 3008 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 Kingman
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.2708, Longitude: -114.0226 (Kingman, 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 Kingman, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kingman, United States (Lat/Long 35.2708, -114.0226) 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 Kingman, 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 Kingman, 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 Kingman, 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 Kingman, 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 Kingman, United States
The topography around Kingman, Arizona is characterized by a diverse landscape typical of the American Southwest. Located in the northwestern part of the state, Kingman sits in a valley surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and high desert terrain.
To the east of Kingman, you'll find the Hualapai Mountains, which rise dramatically from the desert floor. These mountains feature pine-covered peaks and steep canyons, providing a stark contrast to the lower elevations. To the west and northwest, the terrain becomes more open and flat, transitioning into the Mojave Desert.
The immediate area around Kingman is relatively flat, with gentle slopes and occasional rocky outcroppings. The city itself sits at an elevation of about 3,300 feet above sea level, which contributes to its milder climate compared to lower desert regions.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
- Flat or gently sloping terrain to minimize installation costs and maximize sun exposure
- Minimal vegetation and obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels
- Proximity to existing power infrastructure for easier grid connection
- Areas with low ecological sensitivity to minimize environmental impact
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Kingman would likely be found in the flatter desert regions to the west and northwest of the city. These areas offer vast expanses of open land with minimal topographical variation, abundant sunshine, and fewer environmental constraints compared to the mountainous regions to the east.
Specific locations that might be particularly well-suited include the desert plains between Kingman and Bullhead City, as well as areas north of Kingman towards the Arizona-Nevada border. These regions generally have the flat, open characteristics ideal for solar farm development, while also being close enough to Kingman and other populated areas to potentially connect to existing power grids.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would require thorough environmental impact assessments and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Additionally, considerations such as land ownership, access to water for panel cleaning, and the presence of protected species or cultural sites would need to be carefully evaluated before proceeding with any solar project in the region.
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 20th of September 2024
Last Updated: Friday 20th of September 2024
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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.
