Solar PV Analysis of Manhattan, United States
Manhattan, Kansas, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. With its continental climate, this location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy output, which impact the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy generation in Manhattan, with an impressive 7.07 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.31 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in output at 4.04 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.73 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Manhattan's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early fall, making it an ideal time for maximizing solar energy production. However, the significant drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Manhattan, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Manhattan's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact solar panel efficiency:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel output
- Occasional severe storms, including tornadoes, may pose a risk to solar installations
To mitigate these factors, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off, and ensure robust mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially after winter storms, can help maintain optimal performance.
Despite these challenges, Manhattan's overall solar potential remains promising, with ample opportunity for significant energy production, particularly during the warmer months of 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 Manhattan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.1918, Longitude: -96.5818 (Manhattan, 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 34° South in Manhattan, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Manhattan, United States (Lat/Long 39.1918, -96.5818) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, United States
The topography around Manhattan, Kansas (not to be confused with Manhattan, New York) is characterized by gently rolling hills and wide, open plains. This region is part of the Flint Hills, a unique ecosystem known for its tallgrass prairie landscapes. The area features a mix of flat to moderately sloping terrain, with some steeper hillsides and occasional rocky outcrops.
The Kansas River, also known as the Kaw, flows through the northern part of Manhattan, creating a valley with floodplains on either side. This river valley is flanked by higher ground, forming bluffs and ridges that offer scenic views of the surrounding countryside. To the west and south of Manhattan, the land gradually rises, forming part of the larger Flint Hills region.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would be the flat or gently sloping lands surrounding Manhattan. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
1. The open plains to the west and southwest of Manhattan would be ideal candidates for solar farms. These areas typically have minimal obstructions, allowing for maximum sun exposure throughout the day.
2. Slightly elevated areas on the hills surrounding Manhattan could also be suitable, as they may receive less shade from nearby terrain features and potentially benefit from cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, which can improve solar panel efficiency.
3. Former agricultural lands or pastures that are no longer in active use could be repurposed for solar installations, providing a balance between energy production and land conservation.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as proximity to power infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play a role in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects in the 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: Monday 16th of September 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.
