Solar PV Analysis of Lansing, United States
Lansing, Michigan, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for year-round solar PV energy generation. With coordinates 42.7348, -84.6245, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.40 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.42 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in output, with autumn producing 3.15 kWh/day and winter yielding only 1.99 kWh/day.
The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of year-round solar generation in Lansing. The long, sunny days of summer provide ideal conditions for solar energy, while the short, often overcast days of winter significantly reduce output.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Lansing, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 37 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Lansing:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
- Frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, limits solar exposure
- Cold temperatures can slightly decrease panel efficiency
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding, using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions, and ensuring proper insulation and heating for inverters to maintain efficiency in cold weather.
Conclusion
While Lansing's location is not ideal for year-round solar production, it still offers significant potential, especially from spring through fall. With proper installation techniques and equipment selection, solar PV can be a viable energy source in this area, though supplementary power sources may be necessary during the less productive winter months.
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 Lansing
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.7348, Longitude: -84.6245 (Lansing, 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 37° South in Lansing, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lansing, United States (Lat/Long 42.7348, -84.6245) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Lansing, 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 Lansing, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 36° 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 Lansing, 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 Lansing, 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 Lansing, United States
The topography around Lansing, Michigan, is generally characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains. This area is part of the Central Lowlands region of the United States, which was shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. The landscape is relatively uniform, with subtle elevation changes throughout the region.
The city of Lansing itself sits at an average elevation of about 850 feet (260 meters) above sea level. The surrounding area features a mix of urban development, suburban neighborhoods, agricultural lands, and scattered woodlands. The Grand River, Michigan's longest river, flows through the city, creating some variation in the local topography with its associated floodplains and riverbanks.
To the north and east of Lansing, the terrain becomes slightly more undulating, with some areas featuring more pronounced hills and valleys. However, these elevation changes are still relatively modest compared to more mountainous regions. To the south and west, the landscape tends to be flatter, with expansive agricultural fields dominating the scenery.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play:
- The flat, open agricultural lands to the south and west of Lansing would likely be the most suitable for solar farms. These areas offer large, unobstructed spaces with minimal shading from trees or buildings.
- Former industrial sites or brownfields in and around Lansing could also be repurposed for solar installations, making use of otherwise unused land.
- Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the north and east, particularly those facing south, could potentially be used for solar arrays, as they would receive good sun exposure throughout the day.
- Areas near existing electrical infrastructure, such as substations or power lines, would be advantageous for easier grid connection.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV in this region, other factors such as local zoning laws, land ownership, and environmental considerations would also play a significant role in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar installations.
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 11th of October 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.
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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.
