Solar PV Analysis of Phoenix, United States
The location in Phoenix, Arizona, United States at latitude 33.4475 and longitude -112.0866 is well-suited for generating solar PV power throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity varies by season: 7.87 kWh/day in summer, 5.42 kWh/day in autumn, 4.09 kWh/day in winter, and 7.98 kWh/day in spring. While energy production is higher during the sunnier summer and spring months, the relatively high number of sunny days all year round ensures that sufficient solar energy can be harnessed even during autumn and winter.
At this location, the ideal angle to tilt solar panels is 29 degrees southward to maximize sunlight exposure and optimize energy generation across all seasons.
However, certain weather conditions may pose challenges for solar PV power generation in Phoenix. Dust storms and high winds are common during late spring and early summer when temperatures rise rapidly, leading to increased wind speeds and dust storm formation over nearby desert areas. These conditions can reduce sunlight reaching the panels or cause direct damage if they are not properly secured against strong winds.
To mitigate these risks and ensure greater energy production from solar installations in Phoenix, Arizona, it's essential to take preventative measures such as securing panels with robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds; regular cleaning of panels to remove dust buildup; monitoring local weather forecasts for potential dust storms or high-wind events; installing protective barriers around the installation site if necessary; and considering additional technologies like tracking systems that adjust panel angles throughout the day for optimal sunlight exposure despite changing environmental conditions.
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 Phoenix
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.4475, Longitude: -112.0866 (Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Phoenix, United States (Lat/Long 33.4475, -112.0866) 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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 | 38° 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, United States
The topography around Phoenix, United States is generally flat with some low hills to the northeast and east. The area is highly suitable for large-scale solar PV installations because it receives a high amount of direct sunlight throughout the year, has relatively low cloud cover, and has an average wind speed that is not too strong. Areas near the city center, such as Tempe or Scottsdale, would be most suited for larger scale solar PV due to their proximity to existing infrastructure and populations. Additionally, areas in the western part of Phoenix where there are fewer obstructions from buildings or trees would also be well suited for large-scale solar PV projects.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 7th of August 2022
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.
