Paragould, Arkansas, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 36.0557 and longitude -90.52, presents a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Paragould, with an impressive daily output of 6.81 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.60 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 4.33 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.51 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that solar PV systems in Paragould are most effective from late spring through early fall. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the substantial drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Paragould, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 31 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Paragould's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact system performance:

1. Humidity: Arkansas's humid subtropical climate may lead to increased cloud cover, potentially reducing solar efficiency.
2. Severe weather: The region is prone to thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional ice storms, which could damage solar installations if not properly secured.

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Paragould should incorporate robust mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds and severe weather events. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help offset the effects of humidity and ensure optimal performance.

In conclusion, while Paragould's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during winter months, it remains a viable option for renewable energy generation. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, solar PV systems can effectively harness the abundant sunlight available during the warmer seasons.

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 Paragould

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.0557, Longitude: -90.52 (Paragould, 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 Paragould, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Paragould, United States (Lat/Long 36.0557, -90.52) 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 Paragould, 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 Paragould, 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
20° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	51° 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 Paragould, 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 Paragould, 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 Paragould, United States

The area surrounding Paragould, Arkansas in the United States is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape. This region, located in the northeastern part of the state, is part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, also known as the Arkansas Delta. The topography here is primarily the result of ancient river deposits and flooding from the nearby Mississippi River and its tributaries. The land around Paragould is predominantly low-lying, with elevations typically ranging from about 250 to 300 feet above sea level. The terrain is mostly level, with occasional slight undulations and shallow depressions. This flat nature of the land is a result of centuries of sediment deposition from rivers and streams that have flowed through the area. To the west of Paragould, the landscape gradually transitions into the Crowley's Ridge, a unique geological feature that rises above the surrounding delta. This narrow, elevated strip of land runs north-south and provides some topographic relief in an otherwise flat region. The ridge reaches heights of up to 200 feet above the surrounding plains, creating a noticeable contrast in the landscape.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

The topography around Paragould offers several advantages for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The flat, open terrain is particularly well-suited for solar farms, as it provides ample space for arrays of solar panels without the need for extensive land modification or grading. Areas to the east and south of Paragould would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These regions feature vast stretches of agricultural land with minimal obstructions, allowing for maximum sun exposure throughout the day. The lack of significant elevation changes also means that shading from nearby terrain is not a major concern. The agricultural nature of the land surrounding Paragould presents an opportunity for dual-use solar installations, where solar panels can be integrated with existing farming practices. This approach, known as agrivoltaics, could be particularly beneficial in utilizing the land efficiently while maintaining agricultural productivity. While the entire region around Paragould has potential for solar development, areas further away from Crowley's Ridge would be preferable. This is because the ridge could potentially cast shadows during certain times of the day, slightly reducing the overall efficiency of solar panels placed in its immediate vicinity. It's worth noting that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects in this 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.