Solar PV Analysis of Moline, United States
Moline, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. With its geographical position at 41.5099° N latitude and -90.5182° W longitude, this Midwestern city experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations in solar potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Moline, with an impressive average of 6.40 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 5.19 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 3.59 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.55 kWh/day.
The substantial variation between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal changes on solar energy generation in this region. The longer daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer months contribute to the increased energy output, making it an ideal time for solar power generation.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Moline, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 36 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the higher summer sun with the lower winter sun position.
Environmental Considerations
While Moline's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Moline experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended angle helps with snow shedding, and occasional manual clearing may be necessary.
- Cloud cover: The region sees frequent cloud cover, particularly in autumn and winter. Using high-efficiency panels can help mitigate the impact of reduced direct sunlight.
To maximize solar production in Moline, consider using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading. Additionally, regular panel cleaning and maintenance can help ensure optimal performance year-round.
Overall, while Moline's solar potential varies significantly across seasons, proper system design and installation can still yield substantial energy production, particularly from spring through autumn.
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 Moline
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.5099, Longitude: -90.5182 (Moline, 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 36° South in Moline, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Moline, United States (Lat/Long 41.5099, -90.5182) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Moline, 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 Moline, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Moline, 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 Moline, 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 Moline, United States
The topography around Moline, Illinois, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwest United States. Moline is situated along the Mississippi River, which forms a significant part of the landscape. The city itself is located on relatively flat land, but the surrounding area features subtle variations in elevation.
To the north and east of Moline, the land gradually rises into low hills and bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River valley. These areas are part of the broader physiographic region known as the Dissected Till Plains, which were shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. The terrain is composed of a mix of prairies, woodlands, and agricultural fields.
South of Moline, the land remains relatively flat, with occasional gentle slopes and small creek valleys. This area is part of the vast Illinois prairie region, which extends further south into the state. To the west, across the Mississippi River in Iowa, the topography is similar, with a mix of river bottomlands and gradually rising terrain.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors should be considered:
- The flat to gently sloping agricultural lands south and southeast of Moline would be well-suited for solar farms. These areas offer expansive, open spaces with minimal shading from natural features or buildings.
- Former industrial or brownfield sites in and around Moline could be repurposed for solar installations, making use of already developed land.
- The slightly elevated areas to the north and east, while more varied in topography, could still accommodate solar installations, particularly on south-facing slopes that receive more direct sunlight.
- Areas along major highways or near existing power infrastructure might be advantageous for easier grid connection and maintenance access.
It's important to note that while the topography in this region is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and proximity to power transmission infrastructure 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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 18th of July 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.
