Solar PV Analysis of Leesville, United States
Leesville, Louisiana, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 31.1256, -93.1736, presents a reasonably favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in solar output provide insights into the potential for renewable energy production in this area.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Leesville, with an impressive daily output of 6.60 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, producing 5.31 kWh/day, while autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.69 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.94 kWh/day, which is still considerable for solar energy production.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal period for solar energy production in Leesville spans from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight contribute to higher energy yields. Even though winter shows reduced output, the region's relatively mild climate allows for consistent solar energy generation year-round.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Leesville, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing south. This angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions to ensure the most efficient energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Leesville's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- High humidity levels, especially during summer months, may slightly reduce panel efficiency.
- Occasional severe weather events, such as hurricanes or tropical storms, could pose risks to solar installations.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these potential issues and ensure optimal solar energy production, consider implementing the following measures:
Install robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds and severe weather conditions. Use high-quality, weather-resistant panels that can endure humidity and potential salt exposure. Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to prevent dust and debris accumulation, which can be more pronounced in humid environments.
Overall, Leesville's location offers a promising setting for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential throughout most of the year and manageable challenges that can be addressed through proper installation and maintenance practices.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Leesville
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.1256, Longitude: -93.1736 (Leesville, 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 27° South in Leesville, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Leesville, United States (Lat/Long 31.1256, -93.1736) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Leesville, 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 Leesville, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15° South in Summer | 36° South in Autumn | 47° South in Winter | 24° 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 Leesville, 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 Leesville, 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 Leesville, United States
The area around Leesville, Louisiana, is characterized by gently rolling hills and a mix of forested and cleared land. This region is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain, which means the terrain is generally flat to slightly undulating. The elevation gradually increases as you move northward from the Gulf of Mexico, but the changes are subtle in the Leesville area.
The landscape is dotted with numerous small streams and creeks, which have carved shallow valleys into the soft sedimentary rocks over time. These waterways are often lined with dense vegetation, creating ribbons of green through the countryside. The soil in this region is typically sandy or silty, a result of its geological history as an ancient seabed.
Leesville itself sits at an elevation of around 230 feet (70 meters) above sea level. The surrounding area doesn't have any dramatic changes in elevation, with most of the land within a 20-mile radius ranging from about 150 to 400 feet (45 to 120 meters) above sea level.
Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be:
1. Open, cleared land: Areas that have already been deforested or used for agriculture would be ideal. These spaces offer large, unobstructed areas for solar panel placement without the need for extensive land clearing.
2. Gently sloping or flat terrain: While the entire region is relatively flat, areas with a slight south-facing slope would be optimal for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day.
3. Areas away from major waterways: To minimize environmental impact and reduce the risk of flooding, locations that are not immediately adjacent to rivers or large creeks would be preferable.
4. Regions with good road access: For ease of construction and maintenance, areas near existing roads or highways would be advantageous.
5. Locations near existing power infrastructure: Proximity to power lines and substations would reduce the cost and complexity of connecting the solar farm to the grid.
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be found in the cleared agricultural lands to the east and southeast of Leesville. These areas tend to have more open space, gentler terrain, and better infrastructure connections compared to the more forested regions to the north and west.
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: Wednesday 7th of August 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.
