Solar PV Analysis of Logan, United States
Logan, Utah, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. The city experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Logan, with an impressive daily output of 7.90 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.61 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in production, with autumn yielding 4.04 kWh/day and winter dipping to a mere 2.47 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the longer, sunnier days of summer and spring. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during these periods contribute significantly to the overall annual energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Logan, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 36 degrees facing south. This angle takes into account the city's latitude and the sun's path throughout the year, striking a balance between summer and winter sun positions to optimize energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Logan's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency, necessitating regular clearing or the installation of snow guards.
- Air quality issues, particularly during winter inversions, may slightly decrease solar irradiance reaching the panels.
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding and using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings to maximize light absorption even in less-than-ideal conditions. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help ensure optimal performance year-round.
In conclusion, while Logan experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, proper panel placement and maintenance can help maximize energy production, making solar PV a viable renewable energy option for the area.
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 Logan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.7468, Longitude: -111.8268 (Logan, 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 36° South in Logan, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Logan, United States (Lat/Long 41.7468, -111.8268) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Logan, 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 Logan, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Logan, 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 Logan, 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 Logan, United States
The topography around Logan, Utah, is characterized by diverse and dramatic landscapes. The city itself is nestled in a valley known as Cache Valley, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. To the east, the Wasatch Range rises steeply, with peaks reaching over 9,000 feet in elevation. These mountains provide a picturesque backdrop to the city and offer numerous recreational opportunities.
To the west of Logan, the terrain is generally flatter, transitioning into the Bear River Range. This area features rolling hills and valleys, with some areas of higher elevation. The Logan River flows through the city, carving a path through the valley and creating a lush riparian zone.
North of Logan, the landscape continues to be dominated by the Cache Valley, with a mix of agricultural land and small communities. The southern part of the valley gradually narrows, with mountains encroaching from both sides as you move towards the Wellsville Mountains.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas best suited would likely be found to the west and southwest of Logan. These regions tend to have more open, flat terrain that receives ample sunlight throughout the year. The valley floor, particularly in areas not used for agriculture or urban development, could provide ideal locations for solar farms.
Some specific areas that might be suitable for solar PV projects include:
- The open lands between Logan and the town of Mendon to the southwest
- Areas west of Logan near the town of Newton
- The relatively flat terrain south of Logan, towards the town of Nibley
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to existing power infrastructure would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar installations. Additionally, care should be taken to balance the need for renewable energy with the preservation of valuable agricultural land in the Cache Valley region.
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 9th 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.
