Manawa, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Manawa, with an impressive daily output of 6.45 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.13 kWh per day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in solar production. Autumn yields 3.14 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 2.06 kWh daily.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, with summer producing more than three times the energy of winter. This variation suggests that while solar energy can be a viable option in Manawa, it may require supplementary energy sources during the less productive months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Manawa, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Manawa's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region experiences cold winters with frequent snowfall, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. Snow accumulation on panels can block sunlight and decrease energy output. To mitigate this issue, installing panels at a steeper angle can help snow slide off more easily. Additionally, regular panel cleaning and maintenance during winter months is crucial.

Another factor to consider is the relatively high number of overcast days in the region, particularly during fall and winter. While modern solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, their efficiency is reduced. Using high-efficiency panels and potentially incorporating energy storage systems can help offset the impact of less sunny periods.

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and mitigation strategies, solar energy can still be a valuable component of Manawa's energy mix, particularly during the more productive spring and summer months.

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 Manawa

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.4692, Longitude: -88.9149 (Manawa, 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 38° South in Manawa, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Manawa, United States (Lat/Long 44.4692, -88.9149) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Manawa, 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 Manawa, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
28° South in Summer	48° South in Autumn	58° South in Winter	37° 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 Manawa, 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 Manawa, 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 Manawa, United States

The area around Manawa, Wisconsin in the United States features a gently rolling landscape typical of the Midwest region. Located in Waupaca County, Manawa sits in a transitional zone between the Central Plains and the Northern Highlands of Wisconsin. The topography is characterized by low hills, shallow valleys, and numerous small lakes and streams. The terrain surrounding Manawa was largely shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. As a result, the land is dotted with glacial features such as drumlins, eskers, and kettle lakes. These glacial deposits have created a mix of sandy and loamy soils, which support a combination of agricultural land and forested areas.

Local Waterways

The Little Wolf River flows through Manawa, carving a shallow valley in the landscape. This river and its tributaries have further sculpted the local topography, creating some areas of slightly steeper slopes along their banks. Several small lakes and ponds are also scattered throughout the region, adding to its scenic beauty.

Elevation and Relief

The elevation around Manawa is relatively consistent, with most of the area sitting between 800 and 900 feet above sea level. The relief is generally mild, with elevation changes rarely exceeding 100 feet over short distances. This gentle topography makes the area suitable for various land uses, including farming and potential renewable energy projects.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain around Manawa offers some advantages for solar development. Areas with slight south-facing slopes would be ideal, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. Open agricultural lands to the south and east of Manawa present the most promising locations for solar farms. These areas typically have fewer trees and obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. The relatively flat terrain in these directions also minimizes the need for extensive land grading, which can reduce construction costs. However, developers would need to consider the presence of wetlands and small water bodies, which are common in the region. Areas away from these features would be more suitable for large-scale solar installations to avoid environmental impacts and potential flooding issues. It's worth noting that while the topography around Manawa is generally favorable for solar development, other factors such as grid connectivity, local zoning regulations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects in the 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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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.