Solar PV Analysis of Peoria, United States
The location at Peoria, Illinois in the United States is somewhat suitable for generating solar energy throughout the year. However, it's not ideal because of changes in seasons and weather.
In simple terms, a solar panel system installed here can produce different amounts of electricity depending on the time of year. During Summer, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar can generate about 6.36 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. In Autumn this drops to 3.66 kWh/day per kW, and then further drops to just 2.30 kWh/day per kW during Winter months when days are shorter and sunlight is less intense. The production goes up again in Spring to about 5.32 kWh/day per kW.
Therefore, the best times for producing solar energy at this location would be during Summer and Spring when sunlight is more abundant.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels towards South at an angle of about 35 degrees would be ideal for maximizing total year-round production from solar power.
Regarding local factors that could affect solar production: Peoria has a humid continental climate with variable weather conditions throughout the year including cloud cover and snowfall which might block sunlight thus reducing efficiency of panels especially in Winter months.
To deal with these issues:
1) Regular maintenance such as cleaning off dust or snow from panels can help ensure they're capturing as much light as possible.
2) Installing adjustable tilt mounts could also help optimize angle according to seasonal changes.
3) Using high-efficiency PV modules that perform well even under lower light conditions could also be beneficial.
4) Finally installing battery storage systems can store excess power produced during sunny periods for use during less sunny or night times thereby increasing overall system efficiency.
Remember though that while these measures may increase efficiency they will also increase initial investment costs so it's important to consider both aspects before making decisions on installation specifics.
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 Peoria
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.7122, Longitude: -89.6283 (Peoria, 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 35° South in Peoria, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Peoria, United States (Lat/Long 40.7122, -89.6283) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 33° 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria, United States
Peoria, United States is located in the state of Illinois. The topography around this area is generally flat to gently rolling, which is characteristic of the Midwestern United States. It's part of the Great Plains region and lies within the Illinois River valley.
Given this landscape, there are many areas that could potentially be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. Flat or gently sloping areas are ideal for such projects as they allow for maximum sunlight exposure and easy installation of solar panels.
In terms of specific nearby locations, it would be beneficial to consider open fields or farmland that aren't being used for crops or livestock. These types of locations often have few obstacles (like trees or buildings) that could block sunlight.
However, aside from topography and sun exposure, there are other factors to consider when choosing a location for a large-scale solar PV project. These include proximity to power grids for easy energy transmission, local zoning laws and regulations related to renewable energy projects, potential environmental impact assessments etc.
It's also worth noting that Illinois has been making strides in its renewable energy efforts with various incentives and policies in place encouraging the development of solar power infrastructure. Therefore investing in a large-scale solar PV project around Peoria could be a viable option given its favorable geographic conditions along with supportive state policies towards renewable energy.
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 21st of February 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.
