Nome, Alaska, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 64.5002, -165.4222, presents unique challenges and opportunities for solar PV energy generation. The extreme seasonal variations in daylight hours significantly impact the potential for solar energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy generation in Nome experiences dramatic fluctuations across seasons. Spring and summer offer the most promising conditions, with daily outputs of 4.73kWh and 4.32kWh per kW of installed solar, respectively. These seasons benefit from long daylight hours and higher sun angles.

In stark contrast, autumn and winter see a sharp decline in solar potential. Autumn yields only 1.10kWh per day, while winter production plummets to a mere 0.40kWh daily. This significant drop is due to the extremely short daylight hours and low sun angles during these seasons.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Nome, fixed panels should be tilted at a 54-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps capture the most sunlight possible throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Nome's climate poses several challenges to solar energy production:

• Heavy snowfall and ice accumulation can cover panels, reducing efficiency
• Extreme cold temperatures may affect solar panel performance and durability
• Frequent cloudy days, especially in autumn and winter, limit solar exposure

Mitigation Strategies

To address these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding. Use durable, cold-resistant solar panels designed for extreme environments. Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove snow and ice. Consider supplementing with other renewable energy sources, such as wind power, to compensate for low solar production during winter months.

While Nome's location presents significant hurdles for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable part of the local energy mix, especially during the more favorable spring and summer seasons.

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 Nome

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 64.5002, Longitude: -165.4222 (Nome, 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 54° South in Nome, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nome, United States (Lat/Long 64.5002, -165.4222) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 54° 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 Nome, 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 Nome, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 54° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
47° South in Summer	66° South in Autumn	74° South in Winter	56° 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 Nome, 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 Nome, 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 Nome, United States

Nome, Alaska, situated at 64.5002°N latitude and 165.4222°W longitude, is characterized by a unique and diverse topography that reflects its position in the subarctic region of northwestern Alaska. The landscape surrounding Nome is a blend of coastal plains, rolling hills, and rugged tundra. The city itself is nestled along the southern coast of the Seward Peninsula, facing the Bering Sea. The immediate coastline features sandy beaches and gravel bars, which gradually give way to a relatively flat coastal plain extending inland for several miles. This coastal plain is dotted with numerous small lakes, ponds, and wetlands, creating a mosaic of water and land. As one moves further inland from Nome, the terrain becomes more varied and elevated. The landscape transitions into gently rolling hills and low mountains, with elevations typically ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet above sea level. These hills are part of the Kigluaik Mountains, which run east to west across the Seward Peninsula. The highest point in the vicinity is Mount Osborn, reaching an elevation of 4,714 feet. The area is characterized by permafrost, which has a significant impact on the local topography. This permanently frozen ground creates unique features such as polygonal ground patterns, thermokarst lakes, and pingos (ice-cored hills). The permafrost also influences vegetation patterns, with the landscape primarily covered by arctic tundra vegetation, including low-growing shrubs, grasses, and mosses. Rivers and streams crisscross the region, carving valleys through the hills and creating alluvial plains. The Nome River, Snake River, and Eldorado River are some of the major waterways in the area, flowing from the inland mountains towards the Bering Sea.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Nome for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors must be taken into account, including topography, solar radiation, and accessibility. Given the challenging Arctic environment and limited sunlight during winter months, the potential for solar energy in this region is generally constrained compared to lower latitudes. However, if solar PV projects were to be considered, the most suitable areas would likely be: 1. The coastal plain: The relatively flat terrain just inland from Nome offers the advantage of open spaces with minimal shading from geographical features. This area would provide easier access for construction and maintenance due to its proximity to existing infrastructure. 2. South-facing slopes of gentle hills: While the hilly terrain can be challenging, south-facing slopes in the rolling hills to the north of Nome could potentially capture more sunlight, especially during the long summer days. These locations might offer a slight advantage in terms of solar exposure. 3. Elevated plateaus: If any relatively flat, elevated areas exist in the surrounding hills, these could be potential sites for solar installations. Higher elevations might benefit from clearer skies and less ground-level fog, which can be common in coastal areas. It's important to note that while these areas might be the most suitable in the immediate vicinity of Nome, the overall potential for large-scale solar PV in this region is limited due to the extreme seasonal variations in daylight, harsh winter conditions, and the presence of permafrost, which can complicate construction and maintenance efforts. Any solar projects in this area would likely need to be part of a diversified energy strategy rather than a primary power source.

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.