Cary, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 42.2168, -88.2445, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) panels. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.

Seasonal Solar Production

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.27 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.28 kWh/day. However, there's a notable drop in production during autumn (3.28 kWh/day) and winter (2.23 kWh/day).

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenge of maintaining consistent energy output throughout the year. This variation is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and the sun's lower position in the sky during winter months.

Optimal Panel Placement

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Cary, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 36-degree tilt angle facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun position.

Environmental Considerations

While Cary doesn't face extreme environmental challenges for solar production, there are a few factors to consider:

• Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
• Occasional severe storms may pose a risk to panel integrity

To mitigate these issues, installers should ensure panels are easily accessible for snow removal and use durable, weather-resistant materials. Additionally, a slightly steeper tilt angle than the optimal 36 degrees might be considered to facilitate natural snow shedding, though this would slightly reduce overall annual production.

Despite these challenges, Cary's location is generally favorable for solar PV installation. The extended daylight hours and typically clear skies from late spring through early fall provide excellent conditions for solar energy generation, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to harness renewable energy in this area.

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 Cary, Illinois

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.2168, Longitude: -88.2445 (Cary, Illinois, 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 36° South in Cary, Illinois, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cary, Illinois, United States (Lat/Long 42.2168, -88.2445) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Cary, Illinois, 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 Cary, Illinois, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
26° South in Summer	46° South in Autumn	56° South in Winter	35° 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 Cary, Illinois, 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 Cary, Illinois, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Cary, Illinois, United States

The topography around Cary, Illinois, located at 42.2168°N, 88.2445°W, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This area, situated in McHenry County, is part of the broader Chicago metropolitan region and lies within the Fox River Valley. The landscape is a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas, with elevations ranging from about 750 to 900 feet above sea level. The surrounding region was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a diverse terrain that includes moraines, kettle lakes, and scattered wetlands. The Fox River, which flows nearby, has further influenced the local topography, carving out a shallow valley and creating floodplains along its course.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain around Cary offers some advantages for solar development, as it provides opportunities for optimal panel orientation without significant earthwork. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found in the more open, rural spaces surrounding Cary. These areas often feature expansive agricultural fields or former farmlands that provide the necessary space for substantial solar arrays. The relatively flat topography in these locations would minimize shading issues and simplify installation processes. Ideal sites would be those with southern exposure, away from forested areas or tall structures that could cast shadows on the panels. Areas to the north and west of Cary, where the terrain tends to be more open and less developed, might offer particularly promising locations for solar development. However, it's important to note that the suitability of any specific site would require detailed assessment, taking into account not only topography but also factors such as soil conditions, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and local zoning regulations. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid sensitive ecological areas, such as wetlands or important wildlife habitats, which are scattered throughout 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!

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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.