Solar PV Analysis of Mobile, United States
Mobile, Alabama, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a reasonably good location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's position at latitude 30.6483 and longitude -88.2297 provides consistent sunlight, albeit with seasonal variations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Mobile fluctuates across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.03 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind at 5.94 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.79 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.33 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of shorter days and lower sun angles during the colder months. However, even in winter, Mobile's solar potential remains relatively favorable compared to more northern locations.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed-panel installations in Mobile, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the higher summer sun with the lower winter sun position.
Environmental Considerations
While Mobile's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Humidity: Mobile's subtropical climate brings high humidity, which can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Storms: The area is prone to thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes, which can temporarily impact solar production.
To mitigate these factors, installers should use high-quality, weather-resistant panels and ensure robust mounting systems. Regular cleaning may also be necessary to combat humidity-related issues and maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
Overall, Mobile, Alabama provides a favorable location for year-round solar PV energy generation. While winter months see reduced output, the strong performance in spring and summer, coupled with moderate autumn production, makes solar a viable energy option in this region. With proper installation and maintenance, solar panels can effectively harness the abundant sunlight available in this subtropical location.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Mobile
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 30.6483, Longitude: -88.2297 (Mobile, 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 27° South in Mobile, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mobile, United States (Lat/Long 30.6483, -88.2297) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Mobile, 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 Mobile, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15° South in Summer | 36° South in Autumn | 46° South in Winter | 23° 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 Mobile, 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 Mobile, 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 Mobile, United States
Mobile, Alabama, located at approximately 30.6483°N latitude and 88.2297°W longitude, is situated in a coastal plain region near the Gulf of Mexico. The topography around Mobile is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain, with some low-lying areas and wetlands.
The city itself is built on a series of terraces that gradually rise from the Mobile River and Mobile Bay to the east. As you move inland to the west and north, the land becomes slightly more elevated, but overall remains fairly level. The area is dotted with numerous small streams, creeks, and bayous that drain into Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
To the south of Mobile, you'll find barrier islands and coastal marshes along the Gulf Coast. These low-lying areas are prone to flooding and are not suitable for large-scale development. To the north and west, the landscape transitions into pine forests and agricultural lands, with occasional areas of slightly higher elevation.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Mobile, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be:
- Inland agricultural lands: The relatively flat, open farmlands to the north and west of Mobile could provide ideal locations for solar farms. These areas typically have good sun exposure and fewer obstructions.
- Cleared forest lands: Some areas where pine forests have been harvested could be repurposed for solar installations, provided they are not slated for reforestation.
- Industrial zones: Existing industrial areas on the outskirts of Mobile might offer opportunities for large rooftop solar installations or ground-mounted systems on unused land.
- Higher ground away from flood-prone areas: While much of the region is relatively low-lying, selecting slightly elevated areas can help mitigate flood risks for solar installations.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to consider factors beyond just topography, such as proximity to electrical infrastructure, local zoning laws, and environmental impact assessments. Additionally, the humid subtropical climate of Mobile, with its frequent cloud cover and occasional severe weather, may present challenges for solar energy production that would need to be carefully evaluated.
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: Tuesday 6th 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.
