Solar PV Analysis of Mason, United States
Mason, Ohio, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a varied potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal solar output provides insight into its suitability for photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.22 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.52 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decline to 3.77 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.18 kWh/day.
This seasonal variation indicates that Mason's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the significant drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Mason, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best overall performance across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Mason's climate is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some factors that could impact production:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Occasional severe thunderstorms may bring hail, posing a risk to panel integrity
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, choosing hail-resistant panels and implementing a regular cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal performance.
Overall, Mason, Ohio presents a good location for solar PV installations, with strong potential during warmer months offsetting the reduced winter output. With proper planning and preventative measures, solar energy can be a viable and sustainable option for this 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 Mason
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.336, Longitude: -84.3126 (Mason, 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 Mason, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mason, United States (Lat/Long 39.336, -84.3126) 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 Mason, 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 Mason, 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 | 43° 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 Mason, 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 Mason, 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 Mason, United States
The area around Mason, Ohio, located at 39.336 degrees north latitude and 84.3126 degrees west longitude, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwest United States. This region, part of the Till Plains section of the Central Lowlands, features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas.
The topography in and around Mason is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 700 to 900 feet above sea level. The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of glacial deposits and some exposed bedrock. Small streams and creeks crisscross the area, creating subtle variations in the terrain.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found in the flatter, more open spaces surrounding Mason. These areas would ideally have minimal shading from trees or buildings and good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Agricultural land or former industrial sites on the outskirts of the city could potentially be repurposed for solar farms.
Areas to the south and east of Mason, where the terrain tends to be slightly flatter, might be particularly well-suited for solar PV development. These locations often have larger, uninterrupted tracts of land that could accommodate extensive solar panel arrays. Additionally, any elevated areas with a southern exposure would be advantageous for maximizing solar energy capture.
It's important to note that while the topography around Mason is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects.
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: 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.
