Solar PV Analysis of Okatie, United States
The location in Okatie, South Carolina, United States (latitude: 32.3297, longitude: -80.8438) is well-suited for generating solar power throughout the year, with varying levels of energy production across different seasons. In this region, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity can generate an average of 6.37 kWh per day during summer and 6.59 kWh per day in spring, while autumn and winter see lower outputs at 4.71 kWh and 3.14 kWh per day respectively.
These variations in energy generation are primarily due to differences in sunlight hours and temperatures between seasons; longer daylight hours and higher temperatures during summer and spring contribute to increased efficiency from photovoltaic cells.
Despite its suitability for solar power generation, certain local factors could potentially impede energy production at this location. For instance, high winds or heavy rain may cause physical damage to panels or obstruct sunlight exposure, reducing overall efficiency. These weather conditions are more likely to occur during specific periods such as hurricane season (June-November) or extended rainfall (April-October).
To mitigate these potential challenges when installing solar panels in Okatie, South Carolina, it is essential to take preventative measures that ensure greater energy production despite adverse weather conditions. This includes selecting durable panel materials capable of withstanding harsh environmental elements and securing them firmly against strong winds using appropriate mounting systems.
Additionally, positioning the panels at an optimal angle can maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the year; a fixed panel installation should ideally be tilted at a 28-degree angle facing south for maximum efficiency at this location.
In conclusion, Okatie's geographical position makes it suitable for generating solar power year-round; however, considering local weather patterns and taking necessary precautions during installation will help optimize energy production from your solar system even further.
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 Okatie
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.3297, Longitude: -80.8438 (Okatie, 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 28° South in Okatie, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Okatie, United States (Lat/Long 32.3297, -80.8438) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Okatie, 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 Okatie, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16° South in Summer | 37° South in Autumn | 48° South in Winter | 25° 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 Okatie, 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 Okatie, 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 Okatie, United States
The topography around Okatie, United States is generally flat with some rolling hills. Areas to the northeast and southeast of Okatie that are more open and have less tree cover would be most suitable for large scale solar PV installations. The south and west sides of town are more heavily wooded, so they may not be as ideal for large scale solar PV 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 2nd of October 2022
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.
