Solar PV Analysis of Oshkosh, United States
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 44.0197, -88.5514, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar PV energy generation. The city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Oshkosh peaks during the summer months, with an impressive 6.48 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 5.18 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial drop in output, with 3.20 kWh/day and 2.12 kWh/day respectively.
These figures indicate that Oshkosh is most suitable for solar energy generation from late spring through early fall. During this period, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Oshkosh, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps balance energy production across seasons, capturing more sunlight during winter months when the sun's path is lower in the sky, while still performing well during summer.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Oshkosh:
- Snow accumulation during winter months can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
- Cloudy weather, particularly common in autumn and winter, can decrease solar output.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and microinverters can help maximize production even in less-than-ideal conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and cleaning, is crucial for optimal performance.
While Oshkosh may not be ideal for year-round solar production due to its northern latitude and seasonal variations, proper installation and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for much of 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 Oshkosh
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.0197, Longitude: -88.5514 (Oshkosh, 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 38° South in Oshkosh, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Oshkosh, United States (Lat/Long 44.0197, -88.5514) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 37° 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh, United States
The topography around Oshkosh, Wisconsin is generally flat to gently rolling. This area is part of the Eastern Ridges and Lowlands region of Wisconsin, characterized by low-lying plains with occasional gentle hills. The city itself sits on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, one of the largest inland lakes in the United States.
The landscape surrounding Oshkosh is a mix of urban development, agricultural land, and scattered woodlands. To the west and northwest of the city, you'll find more open, rural areas with farmland and prairies. The terrain becomes slightly more varied as you move away from the lake, with subtle elevation changes and small hills becoming more common.
The Fox River runs through Oshkosh, creating a valley that adds some variation to the otherwise relatively flat terrain. This river system, along with Lake Winnebago, has played a significant role in shaping the local topography over time.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas near Oshkosh would likely be found to the west and northwest of the city. These regions offer several advantages:
- Open agricultural land: The rural areas surrounding Oshkosh have expansive farmlands that could potentially accommodate large solar arrays without significant land use conflicts.
- Relatively flat terrain: The gently rolling landscape in these areas is ideal for solar installations, as it minimizes the need for extensive ground preparation and allows for efficient panel placement.
- Lower population density: Moving away from the city center, there are fewer residential areas, reducing potential conflicts with local communities.
- Good solar exposure: The open nature of the landscape means fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing their efficiency.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local zoning laws, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, site-specific assessments would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations for such installations.
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: Wednesday 4th of September 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.
