Plainview, Texas offers reasonably good conditions for solar energy generation throughout most of the year, though like many locations, it experiences significant seasonal variation in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer represents the peak solar generation period at this location, producing 7.74 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity. This excellent output makes summer the most productive season for solar energy harvesting. Spring follows as the second-best season with 6.61 kWh per day per kW, providing strong solar generation as daylight hours increase and weather conditions improve. Autumn sees a notable decline to 5.26 kWh per day per kW as the sun's angle decreases and weather patterns shift. Winter presents the most challenging conditions with only 3.61 kWh per day per kW, representing less than half of summer's peak output.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For fixed panel installations at Plainview, Texas, the ideal tilt angle is 30 degrees facing south to maximize total year-round solar production. This angle has been calculated using weighted solar elevation data throughout the year to optimize overall energy capture across all seasons.

Local Environmental Challenges

Several factors specific to the Plainview area can significantly impact solar panel performance:

• Dust and agricultural particles - The surrounding agricultural activities and semi-arid climate create substantial dust accumulation on panels
• Severe weather events - Hailstorms, high winds, and occasional ice storms can damage panels or reduce efficiency
• Temperature extremes - Hot summers can reduce panel efficiency, while rapid temperature changes stress the equipment

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies prove effective. Regular cleaning schedules become essential due to dust accumulation, with automated cleaning systems or monthly manual cleaning recommended during peak dust seasons. Choosing panels with higher temperature coefficients and ensuring adequate ventilation beneath panels helps combat efficiency losses during hot summer months. Installing panels with reinforced mounting systems and impact-resistant glass protects against hail damage, which is particularly important in this region. Proper grounding and surge protection systems safeguard against electrical damage from thunderstorms, while selecting panels rated for extreme temperature ranges ensures reliable operation through the area's temperature swings. Despite these challenges, Plainview's location offers solid solar potential, particularly during the spring and summer months when energy demand for cooling typically peaks, making it a viable location for solar energy investment with proper planning and maintenance.

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 Plainview, Texas

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.1962, Longitude: -101.7259 (Plainview, Texas, 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 Plainview, Texas, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Plainview, Texas, United States (Lat/Long 34.1962, -101.7259) 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 Plainview, Texas, 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 Plainview, Texas, 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	27° 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 Plainview, Texas, 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 Plainview, Texas, 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 Plainview, Texas, United States

Topographical Features of the Plainview Region

The landscape surrounding Plainview, Texas is characterized by the distinctive flat to gently rolling terrain of the southern Great Plains. This area sits atop the Llano Estacado, a vast elevated plateau that extends across portions of eastern New Mexico and northwestern Texas. The plateau creates a remarkably level expanse that stretches to the horizon in all directions, broken only by occasional shallow draws and subtle undulations.

The elevation around Plainview typically ranges from approximately 3,300 to 3,400 feet above sea level, with minimal variation across large areas. The terrain slopes very gradually from west to east, following the natural drainage patterns toward the Brazos River watershed. This gentle topography results from millions of years of sediment deposition and subsequent erosion, creating the characteristic tabletop appearance of the High Plains.

The region features few natural obstacles or significant elevation changes. Scattered playas, or temporary shallow lakes, dot the landscape and represent the primary topographical variations. These circular depressions typically measure a few feet deep and serve as natural collection points for rainfall and snowmelt. Between these features, the land maintains its remarkably consistent elevation and slope.

Soil and Surface Conditions

The surface composition consists primarily of deep, fertile soils developed from wind-blown sediments. These soils support extensive agricultural operations throughout the region, particularly irrigated cotton, corn, and grain sorghum production. The relatively stable soil structure and minimal erosion issues contribute to the area's suitability for various land uses beyond traditional farming.

Caliche, a hardened layer of calcium carbonate, often occurs several feet below the surface throughout much of the High Plains. While this subsurface feature can affect deep excavation projects, it typically lies well below the depth required for most solar installation foundations and infrastructure.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The expansive flat terrain surrounding Plainview presents exceptional opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas lie on the broad, level stretches of land that extend in all directions from the city, particularly to the south and west where agricultural use may be less intensive.

Areas with minimal topographical relief offer the greatest advantages for solar development, as they require less site preparation and grading work. The consistent elevation and gentle slopes reduce construction costs and simplify the installation of tracking systems that follow the sun's movement throughout the day. The absence of significant hills, valleys, or other terrain features also minimizes shading concerns between solar panel arrays.

The region's extensive road network, developed to serve the agricultural community, provides good access to potential solar sites. This existing infrastructure reduces the need for costly new access roads and facilitates the transportation of equipment and materials to development sites.

Areas located away from the scattered playas would be most appropriate for solar installations, as these low-lying spots can collect water during heavy rainfall events. The higher, well-drained portions of the plateau offer stable ground conditions and avoid potential flooding or drainage issues that could affect solar equipment.

The uniform topography also supports the development of very large solar installations spanning thousands of acres, as there are few natural barriers to limit project size. This characteristic enables economies of scale that can significantly improve project economics compared to smaller, more constrained sites in areas with varied terrain.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.