Solar PV Analysis of Pelham, United States
Pelham, Alabama, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 33.2937, -86.7672, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal solar output varies significantly, with peak production occurring during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.04 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.99 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output at 4.55 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.86 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter output highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy production in Pelham. Despite the winter dip, the location still maintains a respectable year-round average, making it a viable option for solar PV installations.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Pelham, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 29-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Pelham's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, which can lead to occasional cloudy days and thunderstorms, particularly during the summer months. These weather patterns may temporarily reduce solar output.
To mitigate the impact of these factors, consider the following preventative measures:
- Install high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels that perform well in humid conditions
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris, which can accumulate more quickly in humid environments
- Consider adding a backup battery system to store excess energy for use during cloudy periods or storms
Despite these minor challenges, Pelham's location remains quite suitable for solar PV installations. With proper planning and maintenance, solar energy systems in this area can provide significant and reliable power generation throughout the year.
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 Pelham
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.2937, Longitude: -86.7672 (Pelham, 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 29° South in Pelham, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pelham, United States (Lat/Long 33.2937, -86.7672) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° 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 Pelham, 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 Pelham, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17° South in Summer | 39° South in Autumn | 48° 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 Pelham, 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 Pelham, 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 Pelham, United States
The area around Pelham, Alabama, located at 33.2937 degrees north latitude and 86.7672 degrees west longitude, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the southern Appalachian foothills. This region is part of the Piedmont plateau, which transitions from the flat coastal plains to the more rugged Appalachian Mountains.
The landscape surrounding Pelham features a combination of forested areas, open fields, and suburban developments. The terrain is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 400 to 700 feet above sea level. Oak Mountain State Park, located just south of Pelham, showcases some of the area's more prominent hills and ridges.
Several small streams and creeks flow through the area, contributing to the local watershed. These waterways have, over time, carved shallow valleys between the rolling hills, creating a diverse topography that is both picturesque and varied.
Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Pelham, several factors come into play. Ideal sites would have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from trees or other obstructions.
Some of the most suitable areas for solar PV development in the vicinity of Pelham might include:
- Open agricultural fields to the south and east of Pelham, where the land tends to be flatter and less forested.
- Cleared areas on the tops of some of the broader hills, which could provide excellent sun exposure throughout the day.
- Former industrial or commercial sites that are already cleared and have access to existing infrastructure.
- Large, open spaces adjacent to major roads or highways, where land may have already been partially developed.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar PV project. Additionally, a detailed site-specific assessment would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations for solar energy development in the region.
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 21st 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.
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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.
