Pima, Arizona, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 32.8966, -109.8284, offers a highly favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences substantial sunshine and clear skies, making it an excellent choice for solar power production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Pima varies across seasons, with spring and summer being the most productive periods. In spring, solar panels can generate an impressive 7.98 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. Summer follows closely with 7.67 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.54 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 4.29 kWh/day per kW installed.

Despite the winter dip, Pima's solar potential remains strong year-round. The region's location in the Northern Sub Tropics ensures ample sunlight even during cooler months, making it an ideal spot for consistent solar energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Pima, 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 variations in sun position, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Pima's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and sand: The arid environment can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
• Extreme heat: Summer temperatures can soar, which may slightly decrease panel efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and the use of heat-resistant, high-quality solar equipment are recommended. Additionally, installing panels with a slight tilt can help prevent dust buildup and allow for natural cleaning during occasional rainfalls.

Overall, Pima, Arizona presents an excellent location for solar PV energy generation. With its abundant sunshine and minimal environmental obstacles, it offers a prime opportunity for harnessing clean, renewable energy 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 Pima

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.8966, Longitude: -109.8284 (Pima, 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 Pima, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pima, United States (Lat/Long 32.8966, -109.8284) 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 Pima, 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 Pima, 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 Pima, 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 Pima, 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 Pima, United States

The topography around Pima, Arizona, is characterized by a diverse landscape typical of the American Southwest. Situated in Graham County, Pima is nestled in the Gila Valley, surrounded by striking geographical features that define the region. To the north and east of Pima, the rugged Gila Mountains rise prominently, their rocky slopes and peaks creating a dramatic backdrop. These mountains are part of the larger Coronado National Forest, which extends across southeastern Arizona. The terrain in this area is marked by steep inclines, canyons, and rocky outcrops, with elevations ranging from around 3,000 to over 10,000 feet above sea level. South of Pima, the landscape transitions into a more open valley, where the Gila River flows. This fertile valley, with its relatively flat terrain, has long been an important agricultural area. The valley floor is composed of alluvial deposits, creating rich soil that supports farming activities. To the west, the terrain becomes more varied, with a mix of gently rolling hills and scattered smaller mountain ranges. This area features a blend of desert scrubland and grasslands, typical of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Pima for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those with ample flat or gently sloping land, minimal shading from geographical features, and good access to existing infrastructure. The open areas of the Gila Valley, particularly to the south and southwest of Pima, present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These locations offer expansive, relatively flat terrain that receives abundant sunlight throughout the year. The lack of significant geographical obstructions in these areas means that solar panels could be installed with minimal shading concerns. Additionally, the desert regions to the west of Pima, characterized by their wide-open spaces and sparse vegetation, could be ideal for large solar farms. These areas typically have lower agricultural value and fewer competing land uses, making them potentially available for energy development. It's important to note that while the mountainous areas north and east of Pima receive plenty of sunlight, their rugged terrain and steeper slopes make them less suitable for large-scale solar installations. The costs and environmental impacts of developing such areas would likely outweigh the benefits. Any large-scale solar project would need to consider factors beyond just topography, including proximity to power transmission lines, environmental impact assessments, and local zoning regulations. However, the abundant sunshine and available open land in the vicinity of Pima make this region a potentially attractive location for solar energy development.

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.