Solar PV Analysis of Monett, United States
Monett, Missouri, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 36.9177 and longitude -93.9237, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Monett, with an impressive average daily output of 6.91 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.24 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 4.43 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.65 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Monett's location is reasonably suitable for solar energy production, with particularly favorable conditions during the warmer months. The substantial difference between summer and winter output highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply throughout the year.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Monett, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight across all seasons, balancing the higher sun angles in summer with the lower angles in winter.
Environmental Considerations
While Monett's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Seasonal weather patterns: Missouri experiences occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, which could potentially damage solar installations if not properly secured.
- Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall may temporarily reduce panel efficiency, requiring occasional cleaning or the use of snow-shedding technologies.
To mitigate these factors, solar installations in Monett should incorporate robust mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Additionally, panels should be installed at an angle that facilitates natural snow sliding and allows for easy cleaning when necessary.
Overall, while Monett faces some challenges, particularly during winter months, its location remains suitable for solar energy production with proper system design and maintenance practices in place.
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 Monett
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.9177, Longitude: -93.9237 (Monett, 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 32° South in Monett, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Monett, United States (Lat/Long 36.9177, -93.9237) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Monett, 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 Monett, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 41° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 30° 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 Monett, 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 Monett, 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 Monett, United States
The topography around Monett, Missouri, in the United States, is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Ozark Plateau region. This area is part of what's known as the Springfield Plateau, which features a mix of open grasslands, scattered woodlands, and numerous streams and small rivers.
The landscape surrounding Monett is not particularly mountainous, but it does have some elevation changes. The terrain generally slopes downward from east to west, with elevations ranging from about 1,300 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The area is dotted with small hills and ridges, interspersed with flat or gently sloping areas that were once prairies.
Several creeks and streams flow through the region, including Clear Creek and Capps Creek, which have carved shallow valleys into the landscape over time. These waterways contribute to the area's undulating topography and create some localized variations in elevation.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the following considerations are important:
- Flat or gently sloping land: Areas with minimal slope are ideal for solar farms, as they require less grading and preparation.
- Open spaces: Large, unobstructed areas without significant tree cover or buildings are preferable.
- Proximity to existing infrastructure: Sites near power lines and substations are more cost-effective for connecting to the grid.
- Avoidance of flood-prone areas: Locations away from creek and river floodplains are safer for long-term installations.
Based on these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Monett would likely be found in the more open, flatter areas to the north and west of the city. These regions tend to have more expansive farmland and prairies, which could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. The areas south and east of Monett, which tend to be more heavily forested and have more pronounced hills, would generally be less suitable for large solar installations.
It's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed surveys and environmental assessments to ensure optimal placement and minimal impact on local ecosystems and communities.
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 12th 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.
