Solar PV Analysis of Greenfield, Tennessee, United States
Greenfield, Tennessee, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar energy production throughout the year. The city's geographical position at latitude 36.1485 and longitude -88.7453 provides varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.
Solar energy generation in Greenfield experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year. Summer proves to be the most productive season, with an average daily output of 6.52 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.67 kWh per day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, averaging 4.19 kWh daily. Winter, as expected, presents the lowest output at 2.53 kWh per day.
The ideal times for solar energy generation in Greenfield are during the summer months, typically from June through August, when daylight hours are longest and solar irradiance is at its peak. Spring and early autumn also offer favorable conditions for solar production, with moderate temperatures and ample sunlight.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Greenfield, the ideal angle to maximize year-round solar production is 31 degrees, tilted towards the South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Greenfield generally provides suitable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors to consider:
- Seasonal variations in weather patterns, including potential for cloudy days and precipitation, particularly during winter months.
- Occasional severe weather events, such as thunderstorms or tornadoes, which could potentially damage solar installations if not properly secured.
To mitigate these factors and ensure optimal energy production, several preventative measures can be taken during solar installation:
1. Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand local weather conditions.
2. Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove dust, pollen, and other debris that may accumulate on panel surfaces.
3. Consider installing a tracking system to adjust panel angles throughout the day, maximizing energy capture, especially during seasons with lower solar potential.
4. Utilize micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar energy systems in Greenfield can be optimized to achieve consistent and efficient energy production throughout 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 Greenfield, Tennessee
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.1485, Longitude: -88.7453 (Greenfield, Tennessee, 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 31° South in Greenfield, Tennessee, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Greenfield, Tennessee, United States (Lat/Long 36.1485, -88.7453) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Greenfield, Tennessee, 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 Greenfield, Tennessee, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° 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 | 51° South in Winter | 29° 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 Greenfield, Tennessee, 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 Greenfield, Tennessee, 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 Greenfield, Tennessee, United States
The area around Greenfield, Tennessee (located at 36.1485°N, 88.7453°W) is characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains typical of the western Tennessee region. This part of the state is situated in the Gulf Coastal Plain, which features a relatively low-lying landscape with subtle elevation changes. The topography is generally smooth, with occasional shallow valleys and low ridges.
The terrain in and around Greenfield is primarily composed of agricultural fields, pastures, and scattered woodlands. Small streams and creeks meander through the area, contributing to the subtle variations in the landscape. The elevation in this region typically ranges from about 300 to 500 feet above sea level, with only minor fluctuations across the terrain.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat to gently sloping farmlands surrounding Greenfield offer promising potential. These areas have several advantages for solar energy development:
- Abundant open space with minimal shading from natural features or structures
- Generally south-facing slopes, which are ideal for maximizing solar exposure
- Relatively easy access for construction and maintenance due to existing road networks
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for grid connection
Specifically, the agricultural lands to the north, east, and south of Greenfield would likely be the most suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas offer expansive, uninterrupted stretches of land with favorable topography for solar panel installation. The gentle slopes in these directions would provide good drainage and reduce the risk of flooding, which is beneficial for the longevity and efficiency of solar installations.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with preserving productive farmland and considering local environmental impacts. Careful site selection and community engagement would be crucial in implementing such projects in the Greenfield area.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 15th 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.
