North Salt Lake, Utah, in the United States, offers a mixed bag when it comes to solar energy generation potential. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production, with an impressive daily output of 7.85 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.70 kWh/day. These seasons provide excellent conditions for solar power generation, with long days and abundant sunshine.

However, the picture changes dramatically during the colder months. Autumn sees a substantial drop in production to 4.12 kWh/day, while winter performance plummets to a mere 2.59 kWh/day. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of maintaining consistent solar energy production year-round in North Salt Lake.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 35 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While North Salt Lake benefits from generally clear skies, there are some environmental factors that could impact solar production:

• Winter snowfall: Heavy snow can temporarily reduce panel efficiency if not promptly removed.
• Air quality: The area sometimes experiences poor air quality due to temperature inversions, which can slightly reduce solar radiation reaching the panels.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and regularly clean the panels to remove any accumulated dust or pollutants. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels can help maximize production even during less ideal conditions.

In conclusion, while North Salt Lake faces challenges in maintaining consistent solar output year-round, proper installation techniques and maintenance can still make solar energy a viable option for this location, especially during the highly productive summer and spring months.

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 3028 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 North Salt Lake

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.8431, Longitude: -111.914 (North Salt Lake, 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 35° South in North Salt Lake, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in North Salt Lake, United States (Lat/Long 40.8431, -111.914) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 North Salt Lake, 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 North Salt Lake, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
24° South in Summer	45° South in Autumn	55° South in Winter	33° 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 North Salt Lake, 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 North Salt Lake, 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 North Salt Lake, United States

The topography around North Salt Lake, United States, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines both flat areas and mountainous terrain. Situated in the northern part of Salt Lake Valley, this region features a gradual transition from the valley floor to the foothills of the Wasatch Range to the east. The western portion of North Salt Lake is relatively flat, with gentle slopes and low-lying areas that were once part of the ancient Lake Bonneville. This area is now primarily developed for residential and industrial purposes. As you move eastward, the terrain begins to rise, forming a series of rolling hills and benches that gradually increase in elevation. To the east of North Salt Lake, the Wasatch Range looms large, with steep slopes and rugged peaks dominating the skyline. These mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the city and play a significant role in shaping the local climate and weather patterns. The foothills of the Wasatch Range offer a mix of gentle and steep slopes, with some areas featuring canyons and ravines carved by streams and erosion over time.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal obstructions. The western portions of North Salt Lake and the surrounding areas in the Salt Lake Valley offer the most promising locations for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas benefit from their flat or gently sloping terrain, which makes installation and maintenance easier. Additionally, the lower elevation of the valley floor receives less cloud cover and experiences fewer shading issues compared to the mountainous regions. Specifically, the open spaces and undeveloped lands to the west and northwest of North Salt Lake, extending towards the Great Salt Lake, could be suitable for solar farms. These areas typically have fewer trees and buildings that might obstruct sunlight, and the flat landscape allows for optimal panel positioning. It's worth noting that while the mountainous areas to the east receive ample sunlight, their steep slopes and varied terrain make them less ideal for large-scale solar installations. However, smaller-scale or specialized solar projects might still be feasible in some of the less steep foothill regions, particularly on south-facing slopes that receive maximum sun exposure throughout the day. When planning any solar PV project in this region, it's crucial to consider factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental impact, and proximity to existing power infrastructure. The unique geography and climate of the Salt Lake Valley, including potential for temperature inversions and air quality issues, should also be taken into account when assessing the long-term viability of solar energy projects in the area.

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.