Solar PV Analysis of Norman, United States
Norman, Oklahoma, located in the United States, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Norman, with an impressive daily output of 7.14 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.49 kWh/day. Autumn sees a slight decrease in production at 4.87 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.20 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal changes on solar energy generation in this region. However, the relatively strong performance during spring and autumn contributes to a balanced year-round energy profile.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed solar panel installations in Norman, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 31 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Norman's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Thunderstorms and severe weather: Oklahoma is prone to intense thunderstorms, particularly during spring and early summer. These events can temporarily reduce solar output and potentially damage equipment if not properly protected.
- Dust and pollen: The region's climate can lead to accumulation of dust and pollen on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency over time.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and ensure optimal solar energy production, consider the following measures:
Install robust mounting systems and use high-quality, weather-resistant panels to withstand severe weather conditions. Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and pollen buildup, particularly during peak allergy seasons. Additionally, consider incorporating a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues that may arise.
Overall, Norman, Oklahoma provides a suitable location for solar energy generation, with strong potential during summer and spring months. By addressing the environmental factors and implementing appropriate preventative measures, solar installations in this area can achieve consistent and efficient energy production throughout the year.
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 Norman
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.2144, Longitude: -97.4536 (Norman, 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 Norman, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Norman, United States (Lat/Long 35.2144, -97.4536) 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 Norman, 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 Norman, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 50° 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 Norman, 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 Norman, 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 Norman, United States
The area around Norman, Oklahoma, which is located at latitude 35.2144 and longitude -97.4536, is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain. This region is part of the Central Great Plains, and its topography has been shaped by centuries of wind and water erosion.
The landscape surrounding Norman features wide-open spaces with occasional low hills and shallow valleys. To the east of Norman, the terrain becomes slightly more undulating as it transitions towards the Ozark Plateau. To the west, the land remains predominantly flat, typical of the Great Plains region. The Canadian River, which flows to the south of Norman, has carved a shallow valley through the area, creating some minor variations in elevation.
In terms of large-scale solar PV installations, several areas near Norman could be well-suited for such projects. The flat to gently sloping terrain found in much of the region is ideal for solar farms, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation and allows for efficient panel placement. Areas to the west and southwest of Norman, where the land is particularly flat and open, would be especially suitable.
The rural areas surrounding Norman, particularly those with minimal tree cover and away from urban development, would be prime candidates for large-scale solar installations. These locations often have large tracts of available land, good sun exposure, and fewer obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels. Additionally, areas near existing power infrastructure, such as transmission lines, could be advantageous for connecting new solar farms to the grid.
It's worth noting that while the topography around Norman is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and proximity to population centers would also need to be taken into account when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar projects.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 20th 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.
