Solar PV Analysis of Muskogee, United States
Muskogee, Oklahoma, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 35.7445 and longitude -95.3451, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in solar output highlight both opportunities and challenges for solar energy production in this area.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Muskogee, with an impressive daily output of 6.92 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high performance is due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight during the summer months.
Spring follows as the second-best season, producing 5.24 kWh per day. This season offers a good balance of sunlight and moderate temperatures, making it an efficient time for solar energy production.
Autumn sees a slight decrease in solar output, generating 4.64 kWh daily. While still productive, the shorter days and increasing cloud cover begin to impact solar efficiency.
Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy in Muskogee, with daily production dropping to 2.79 kWh. The combination of shorter days, lower sun angles, and potentially increased cloud cover contributes to this reduced output.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Muskogee, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 31 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the seasonal variations in sun position.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Muskogee's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could impact efficiency:
- Occasional severe weather events, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, could potentially damage solar installations if not properly secured.
- Dust and pollen accumulation on panels, particularly during spring and fall, may slightly reduce efficiency if not regularly cleaned.
To mitigate these factors, consider installing sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand high winds, and implement a regular cleaning schedule for the panels. Additionally, using micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maintain overall system performance even if some panels are partially shaded or dirty.
In conclusion, while Muskogee experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, its overall solar potential remains favorable. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a reliable source of renewable energy throughout the year in this location.
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 Muskogee
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.7445, Longitude: -95.3451 (Muskogee, 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 31° South in Muskogee, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Muskogee, United States (Lat/Long 35.7445, -95.3451) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Muskogee, 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 Muskogee, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 51° South in Winter | 29° 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 Muskogee, 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 Muskogee, 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 Muskogee, United States
The area around Muskogee, Oklahoma, is characterized by a gently rolling landscape typical of the eastern part of the state. This region is situated in the transition zone between the Ozark Plateau to the east and the Great Plains to the west. The topography consists of low hills, shallow valleys, and occasional flat areas, with elevations generally ranging from about 500 to 700 feet above sea level.
The Arkansas River flows near Muskogee, creating a broad river valley that influences the local terrain. The river and its tributaries have carved out gentle slopes and created some floodplains in the area. The landscape is also dotted with small streams and creeks, contributing to the mild undulations in the topography.
Vegetation in the region includes a mix of grasslands, deciduous forests, and agricultural fields, which further shape the visual character of the land. The combination of open spaces and wooded areas creates a diverse and picturesque environment.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would be the relatively flat or gently sloping lands that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Ideal locations would include:
- Open agricultural fields to the west and southwest of Muskogee, where the terrain tends to be flatter and there are fewer obstructions to sunlight.
- Elevated areas on the tops of low hills, which may offer good exposure to the sun and minimal shading from surrounding features.
- Former industrial or brownfield sites near the city that have large, open spaces and are already connected to existing infrastructure.
It's important to note that while the topography around Muskogee is generally favorable for solar PV, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations. Factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to power transmission lines, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in selecting the best areas for large-scale solar installations.
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: Friday 2nd 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.
