Solar PV Analysis of Meridian, United States
Meridian, Idaho, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Meridian, with an impressive daily output of 7.92 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.63 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn (3.87 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (1.98 kWh/day).
These figures indicate that Meridian's location is particularly favorable for solar energy production from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Meridian, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Meridian's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Winter snowfall: Meridian receives an average of 18 inches of snow annually, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency if allowed to accumulate.
- Wildfire smoke: During late summer and early fall, smoke from regional wildfires can occasionally reduce solar irradiance.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these potential issues, consider the following preventative measures when installing solar panels in Meridian:
Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off more easily. Use high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels to maximize light absorption, even in hazy conditions. Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and pollen accumulation, especially during dry summer months.
Overall, while Meridian faces some seasonal challenges, its location still provides a good opportunity for solar energy production, particularly during the extended sunny periods from spring through fall.
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 Meridian
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.6502, Longitude: -116.4343 (Meridian, 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 37° South in Meridian, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Meridian, United States (Lat/Long 43.6502, -116.4343) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Meridian, 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 Meridian, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 36° 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 Meridian, 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 Meridian, 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 Meridian, United States
The topography around Meridian, Idaho (located at 43.6502°N, 116.4343°W) is characterized by a mix of flat valleys and rolling hills. Meridian itself sits in the Treasure Valley, a broad, relatively flat area that extends along the Boise River. This valley is surrounded by higher terrain, with foothills and mountains rising to the north and east.
To the immediate south and west of Meridian, the land remains fairly level, consisting of agricultural fields and suburban developments. As you move further west, the terrain gradually becomes more undulating, with gentle hills and small ravines. To the north, the Boise Foothills begin to rise, offering a transition between the valley floor and the more mountainous regions beyond.
East of Meridian, the landscape is dominated by the presence of Boise, the state capital. Beyond Boise, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous as it approaches the Boise National Forest. The Boise River, which flows through the area, has shaped much of the local topography, creating a fertile valley floor surrounded by higher ground.
Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas near Meridian would be the flat, open spaces to the south and southwest of the city. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- Flat terrain: The level ground makes construction and maintenance easier and more cost-effective.
- Open spaces: There are fewer obstructions to block sunlight, maximizing energy production.
- Lower population density: These areas have less urban development, providing more available land for large installations.
- Good solar exposure: The region receives ample sunlight throughout the year, making it suitable for solar energy generation.
Specific locations that might be well-suited for solar PV projects include the agricultural lands between Meridian and Nampa, as well as areas south of Kuna. These locations offer expansive, flat terrain with minimal shading from natural features or man-made structures.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, zoning regulations, proximity to power infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar PV installation.
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: Sunday 11th 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.
