Solar PV Analysis of Lead Hill, United States
Lead Hill, Arkansas, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 36.3835, -93.0046, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Lead Hill, with an average daily output of 6.91 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.24 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 4.43 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.65 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that solar energy production in Lead Hill is most effective from late spring through early fall. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Tilt
For fixed solar panel installations in Lead Hill, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 32 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Lead Hill's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact system performance:
- Winter snow: The area may experience snowfall during winter months, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency if not removed promptly.
- Tree coverage: Surrounding vegetation might cast shadows on panels, particularly during morning and evening hours.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a slightly steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and ensure proper tree trimming or panel placement to minimize shading. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of panels can help maintain optimal performance throughout the year.
Overall, Lead Hill offers a reasonably good location for solar PV installations, with the potential for significant energy production during peak months and moderate output during the rest of 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 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 Lead Hill
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.3835, Longitude: -93.0046 (Lead Hill, 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 32° South in Lead Hill, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lead Hill, United States (Lat/Long 36.3835, -93.0046) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Lead Hill, 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 Lead Hill, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 41° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 30° 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 Lead Hill, 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 Lead Hill, 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 Lead Hill, United States
The area around Lead Hill, Arkansas, in the United States is characterized by a varied and picturesque topography typical of the Ozark Mountains region. This landscape features a mix of rolling hills, steep ridges, and deep valleys carved out by ancient rivers and streams over millions of years.
The terrain in this area is generally hilly and rugged, with elevations ranging from about 700 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The hills are often covered in dense forests, primarily consisting of oak and hickory trees. Interspersed among these wooded areas are open meadows and pastures, creating a patchwork of green spaces.
Numerous creeks and small rivers wind their way through the valleys, contributing to the region's lush vegetation and diverse ecosystem. The nearby Bull Shoals Lake, a large reservoir created by damming the White River, significantly influences the local topography, creating a complex shoreline with many inlets and peninsulas.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the hilly terrain around Lead Hill presents some challenges. Ideal locations for solar farms are typically flat or gently sloping areas with minimal shading from surrounding landscape features. However, there are still potential sites in the region that could be suitable for solar energy development:
- Cleared hilltops and ridgelines: These elevated areas often receive consistent sunlight throughout the day and could be adapted for solar panel installation.
- Open meadows and pastures: Larger clearings in the forested landscape might offer sufficient space for solar arrays, especially if they have a southern exposure.
- Reclaimed mining sites: The area has a history of lead and zinc mining, and some former mining lands could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production.
- Agricultural land: Less productive farmland or areas with declining agricultural use might be considered for solar development, balancing energy production with land conservation efforts.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar project in this area would require careful environmental impact assessments and consideration of the region's natural beauty and ecological significance. Additionally, the proximity to water bodies like Bull Shoals Lake would necessitate thorough evaluation of potential effects on local watersheds and aquatic ecosystems.
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: Saturday 14th of September 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.
