Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, in the United States, offers a moderate location for solar energy generation through photovoltaic (PV) systems. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations that affect solar energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Lake Saint Louis, with an impressive daily output of 6.51 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.33 kWh/day, making it the second-best season for solar production. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in energy output, producing 4.01 kWh/day. Winter, as expected, has the lowest generation at 2.40 kWh/day due to shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight.

Optimal Panel Installation

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Lake Saint Louis, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Best Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable period for solar energy production in Lake Saint Louis spans from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar output. May through September typically offer the best conditions for solar generation, with peak performance occurring in June and July.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Lake Saint Louis generally provides good conditions for solar energy, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar production: 1. Cloud cover: The area experiences an average of 202 sunny days per year, which is slightly below the US average. Cloudy days can reduce solar output. 2. Snow: Winter snowfall can temporarily cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. 3. Humidity: High humidity levels, especially during summer, can slightly decrease panel efficiency. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install panels at the optimal angle to help snow slide off more easily
• Use anti-reflective coatings on panels to improve performance in humid conditions
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove any debris or snow
• Consider a tracking system to maximize sun exposure throughout the day

Despite these challenges, Lake Saint Louis remains a viable location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and maintenance, residents can effectively harness solar energy to supplement their power needs throughout the year.

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 Lake Saint Louis

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.7972, Longitude: -90.7762 (Lake Saint Louis, 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 34° South in Lake Saint Louis, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lake Saint Louis, United States (Lat/Long 38.7972, -90.7762) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Lake Saint Louis, 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 Lake Saint Louis, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
23° South in Summer	43° South in Autumn	54° South in Winter	32° 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 Lake Saint Louis, 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 Lake Saint Louis, 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 Lake Saint Louis, United States

The area around Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Midwest region. This part of eastern Missouri sits on the edge of the Ozark Plateau, where the landscape transitions from the flatter plains to the north and east into more varied terrain to the south and west.

The immediate vicinity of Lake Saint Louis features subtle elevation changes, with the lake itself nestled in a shallow depression. The surrounding land gradually rises away from the lake, creating a mix of open areas and wooded sections. The topography is not dramatically steep but does offer some variation, with small hills and dips scattered throughout the landscape.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found to the north and east of Lake Saint Louis. These regions tend to have more open, flatter land that was historically used for agriculture. Such areas offer several advantages for solar farms:

• Larger, uninterrupted spaces for panel placement
• Fewer trees or other obstacles that could cast shadows
• Generally flatter terrain, reducing the need for extensive grading
• Easier access for construction and maintenance vehicles

While the rolling hills to the south and west could potentially accommodate solar installations, they may require more complex engineering solutions and might not be as cost-effective. The ideal locations would be former agricultural fields or pastures that are relatively level, have good sun exposure throughout the day, and are not prone to flooding.

It's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to consider local zoning laws, environmental impact assessments, and proximity to electrical infrastructure. The areas around nearby communities like O'Fallon, Wentzville, and Troy might offer suitable sites that balance the need for open space with access to existing power grids and transportation networks.

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.