Solar PV Analysis of Oneonta, United States
Oneonta, Alabama, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 33.9197, -86.4853, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons, with summer and spring being the most productive periods.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels in Oneonta can expect to generate an average of 6.04 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity during summer months. Spring follows closely behind with 5.99 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production at 4.55 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.86 kWh/day per kW installed.
The location's performance indicates that solar energy generation is most effective from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight contribute to higher energy production. However, even in winter, the panels continue to generate a meaningful amount of electricity, albeit at a reduced rate.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Oneonta, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing South. This angle helps optimize energy capture throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Oneonta's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Occasional severe weather: Alabama can experience thunderstorms and tornadoes, which may pose a risk to solar installations.
- Humidity: The region's humid subtropical climate can lead to increased dust and pollen accumulation on panels.
To mitigate these factors, it's advisable to use sturdy mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help combat the effects of humidity and airborne particles. Additionally, investing in high-quality, weather-resistant solar equipment can ensure better performance and longevity in Oneonta's climate.
Overall, Oneonta's location provides a good opportunity for solar PV energy generation, with strong performance during much of the year and manageable challenges that can be addressed through proper installation and maintenance practices.
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 Oneonta
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.9197, Longitude: -86.4853 (Oneonta, 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 Oneonta, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Oneonta, United States (Lat/Long 33.9197, -86.4853) 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 Oneonta, 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 Oneonta, 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 | 26° 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 Oneonta, 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 Oneonta, 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 Oneonta, United States
The topography around Oneonta, Alabama, located at approximately 33.9197°N and 86.4853°W, is characterized by rolling hills and valleys typical of the southern Appalachian foothills. This area is part of the transition zone between the flatter coastal plains to the south and the more rugged Appalachian Mountains to the north.
The landscape surrounding Oneonta features a mix of gently sloping terrain and more pronounced hills. The elevation in this region generally ranges from about 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area is dotted with small streams and creeks that have carved shallow valleys over time, creating a patchwork of ridges and lowlands.
Forests cover much of the land, with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Cleared areas for agriculture and pasture are also common, especially in the flatter portions of the landscape. The terrain becomes gradually more rugged and mountainous as you move northeast from Oneonta towards the core of the Appalachian range.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found in the flatter, more open spaces to the south and southwest of Oneonta. These areas tend to have less dramatic topography and fewer forested regions, which makes them more conducive to solar farm development. Ideal locations would include:
- Former agricultural land or pastures that are relatively flat and free from obstructions.
- Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest, which would receive optimal sunlight throughout the day.
- Areas near existing power infrastructure to facilitate grid connection.
- Locations away from densely populated areas or protected natural habitats.
It's important to note that while the rolling terrain in this region may present some challenges for large-scale solar installations, modern solar panel technology and mounting systems can often adapt to moderately uneven ground. However, extensive grading or earthwork might be necessary in some locations to create suitable surfaces for solar arrays.
Before developing any solar projects, thorough site assessments would be crucial to evaluate factors such as soil stability, drainage patterns, and potential environmental impacts in addition to the topographical considerations.
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: Monday 22nd of July 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.
