Clovis, New Mexico, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 34.4129, -103.2199, offers a generally favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, though with notable seasonal variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panels in Clovis perform best during summer months, generating approximately 7.89kWh of electricity per day for each kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.88kWh/day, while autumn delivers a moderate 5.38kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest production at 3.78kWh/day per kW installed.

This seasonal pattern creates a production ratio of more than 2:1 between the best and worst seasons, with summer generating over twice the electricity of winter months. This variation is significant but expected for the latitude and climate zone.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Clovis, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 30 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the annual solar capture by balancing seasonal variations in the sun's position throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors in Clovis may affect solar production:

• Dust and soil accumulation: The semi-arid climate of eastern New Mexico can lead to dust buildup on panels, potentially reducing efficiency by 5-15% if not addressed.
• Occasional severe weather: The region experiences thunderstorms and hail during certain seasons, which could physically damage panels if not properly rated for impact resistance.
• Seasonal temperature extremes: High summer temperatures can slightly reduce panel efficiency, while winter can bring occasional snow cover that temporarily blocks production.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar production in Clovis, consider these installation and maintenance practices:

• Install panels with hail-resistant ratings (Class 3 or 4) to withstand potential storm damage.
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule, particularly during dry, dusty periods in late spring and summer.
• Consider a slight adjustment to the standard 30-degree tilt if winter production is particularly important, as a steeper angle can improve winter performance.
• Use temperature-tolerant panel technologies that maintain better efficiency during summer heat.
• Install snow-shedding features if opting for a lower tilt angle that might otherwise retain snow.

Overall, Clovis provides a good solar resource with pronounced seasonal variations that should be factored into system design and production expectations.

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 Clovis, New Mexico

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.4129, Longitude: -103.2199 (Clovis, New Mexico, 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 30° South in Clovis, New Mexico, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Clovis, New Mexico, United States (Lat/Long 34.4129, -103.2199) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Clovis, New Mexico, 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 Clovis, New Mexico, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
18° South in Summer	39° South in Autumn	49° South in Winter	28° 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 Clovis, New Mexico, 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 Clovis, New Mexico, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Clovis, New Mexico, United States

The land around Clovis, New Mexico presents a remarkably flat expanse characteristic of the High Plains region of the United States. Situated on the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains), this area features a largely level plateau with an elevation of approximately 4,300 feet above sea level. The topography is characterized by its notably uniform surface with minimal variations in elevation across considerable distances. This flatness is occasionally interrupted by shallow depressions known locally as "playas" which temporarily fill with water after rainfall events.

Geographical Context

Clovis sits near the Texas-New Mexico border in an area where the Great Plains meet the Southwestern United States. The surrounding landscape was shaped primarily by ancient wind deposits, creating a thick layer of sediment above the bedrock. This geological history has resulted in well-drained sandy loam soils throughout much of the region. The natural vegetation consists primarily of short prairie grasses, with very few natural trees except along watercourses or where planted by humans. To the west of Clovis, the land gradually rises toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, though these peaks remain quite distant. To the east, the flat plains extend well into the Texas Panhandle. The area experiences minimal natural barriers or significant changes in elevation for many miles in all directions.

Solar PV Suitability

The topographical characteristics of the Clovis region make it exceptionally well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. Several specific areas near Clovis present particularly favorable conditions: The expansive agricultural lands to the north and east of Clovis offer ideal conditions for solar development. These areas feature extremely flat terrain with minimal shading obstacles, allowing for efficient panel placement and maximum sun exposure throughout the day. The existing grid infrastructure supporting agricultural operations provides potential connection points for new solar facilities. The open rangeland to the south and southwest of Clovis also presents excellent opportunities. These less-developed areas provide large, contiguous parcels of land with minimal competing land uses. The sparse vegetation and limited precipitation in these areas mean less maintenance would be required for ground-mounted solar arrays. Areas along the existing transportation corridors, particularly near Highway 60/84 running east-west through Clovis, combine favorable topography with accessibility advantages. The proximity to existing roads facilitates construction and maintenance access while potentially simplifying grid connection.

Considerations Beyond Topography

While the flat topography around Clovis is nearly ideal for solar development, other factors merit consideration. The region experiences seasonal dust storms that could temporarily reduce panel efficiency without proper maintenance protocols. The area also receives occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and infrequent winter ice, though these events are typically short-lived. The combination of high elevation, clear skies, and minimal topographical shading makes the entire region surrounding Clovis exceptionally promising for solar energy production. The abundant open space and relatively low population density further enhance the area's suitability for large-scale solar installations by minimizing land use conflicts and potential viewshed concerns.

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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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.