Lihue, Hawaii, located in the United States, offers a promising environment for solar energy production throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this location benefits from consistent sunlight and experiences seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than traditional temperature-based seasons.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy generation in Lihue varies across the meteorological seasons, with summer being the most productive period. During summer months, solar panels can be expected to produce an impressive 7.98 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 7.19 kWh/day, while autumn sees a slight decrease to 6.13 kWh/day. Winter, although less productive, still maintains a respectable output of 4.77 kWh/day.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For those installing fixed solar panels in Lihue, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 19 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Lihue's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The area can experience periods of heavy rainfall and occasional tropical storms, which may temporarily reduce solar output. To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to install high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and ensure proper drainage systems are in place.

Additionally, the humid tropical environment can potentially lead to accelerated degradation of solar equipment. To combat this, using corrosion-resistant materials and implementing regular maintenance schedules can help maintain optimal performance and longevity of the solar installation.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production in Lihue, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install panels with anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in varying light conditions
• Use micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from passing clouds
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to prevent salt air and dust accumulation on panel surfaces

By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar energy systems in Lihue can harness the abundant tropical sunlight effectively, providing a reliable and sustainable source of electricity throughout the year.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

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 Lihue

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 21.9837, Longitude: -159.3693 (Lihue, 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 19° South in Lihue, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lihue, United States (Lat/Long 21.9837, -159.3693) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Lihue, 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 Lihue, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
6° South in Summer	27° South in Autumn	37° South in Winter	15° 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 Lihue, 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 Lihue, 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 Lihue, United States

Lihue, located on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, is surrounded by a diverse and picturesque topography. The landscape is characterized by a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and steep mountains. To the west of Lihue, the terrain gradually rises towards the island's central highlands, dominated by Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. The eastern side of Lihue faces the Pacific Ocean, with beautiful beaches and coastal cliffs. The area immediately surrounding Lihue is relatively flat, consisting of former sugarcane fields and urban development. As you move away from the town center, the terrain becomes more varied. To the north, you'll find the Wailua River Valley, with its lush vegetation and winding waterways. South of Lihue, the landscape transitions into the Haupu Ridge, a dramatic mountain range that stretches along the coastline.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Lihue, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunshine, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. Based on these criteria, a few areas stand out as potentially suitable: The former sugarcane fields to the west and southwest of Lihue offer promising locations for solar PV development. These areas are relatively flat, receive good sun exposure, and have already been cleared for agricultural use, minimizing additional environmental disruption. The coastal plains between Lihue and Kapaa to the north could also be suitable for solar installations. This area benefits from consistent sunshine and has some open spaces that could accommodate large-scale projects. The southern coastal region, extending towards Poipu, might offer opportunities for solar development. While some of this area is dedicated to tourism, there are pockets of land that could be utilized for renewable energy projects. It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, cultural significance, and community needs. Hawaii's commitment to renewable energy makes solar projects attractive, but they must be balanced with preserving the island's natural beauty and 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!

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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.