Port Angeles, Washington, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) panels. The city's position at latitude 48.0557 and longitude -123.9178 offers varying potential throughout the year, with significant seasonal fluctuations in energy output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Port Angeles peaks during the summer months, with an impressive average of 7.11 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 5.24 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic drop in output, with 2.36 kWh/day and 1.29 kWh/day respectively.

This stark contrast between seasons indicates that while Port Angeles can be highly productive for solar energy during half the year, it faces significant challenges during the colder months. The long, sunny days of summer provide an excellent opportunity for solar energy generation, making it an ideal time for maximizing solar output.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Port Angeles, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather factors can impact solar production in Port Angeles:

1. Cloud cover: The Pacific Northwest is known for its frequent overcast conditions, especially during autumn and winter. This can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
2. Rainfall: Port Angeles receives considerable rainfall, which can temporarily reduce panel output and necessitate more frequent cleaning.
3. Snow: While not as common as in other northern regions, occasional snowfall can cover panels and halt production.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and ensure greater energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar panels in Port Angeles:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
• Install panels at the optimal angle to maximize exposure and encourage snow and rain runoff
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove debris and maximize panel efficiency
• Consider a ground-mounted system for easier maintenance and snow removal
• Explore the use of microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading

While Port Angeles faces some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and installation can still make solar PV a viable and beneficial energy option for this coastal Washington city.

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 Port Angeles

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.0557, Longitude: -123.9178 (Port Angeles, 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 39° South in Port Angeles, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Port Angeles, United States (Lat/Long 48.0557, -123.9178) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Port Angeles, 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 Port Angeles, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
31° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	62° South in Winter	40° 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 Port Angeles, 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 Port Angeles, 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 Port Angeles, United States

The topography around Port Angeles, Washington, is characterized by diverse and dramatic landscapes. Situated on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, the area features a unique blend of coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountainous terrain. To the north, Port Angeles overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with its shoreline consisting of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The city itself is built on a series of terraces that gradually rise from sea level. As you move inland from the coast, the terrain becomes more varied and elevated. To the south of Port Angeles, the land rises more steeply into the foothills of the Olympic Mountains. These mountains, part of the Olympic National Park, dominate the southern horizon with their snow-capped peaks and dense forests. The transition from coastal plain to mountain range creates a picturesque backdrop for the city and surrounding areas.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Port Angeles for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, receive ample sunlight, and have minimal environmental impact. The most suitable areas for solar PV development would likely be found in the flatter regions to the east and west of Port Angeles. These areas, particularly those along the Highway 101 corridor, offer more level terrain and are generally at lower elevations, which can be advantageous for solar installations. The Sequim-Dungeness Valley, located about 15 miles east of Port Angeles, presents a promising option. This area is known for its relatively sunny climate, often referred to as the "blue hole" due to its position in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. The valley's agricultural lands and open spaces could potentially accommodate large-scale solar projects. It's important to note that while the region around Port Angeles does receive less annual sunshine compared to more arid parts of the country, advancements in solar technology have made it increasingly viable for solar energy production in the Pacific Northwest. However, any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local zoning regulations, and the region's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and ecosystems. The proximity to Olympic National Park and other protected areas would likely limit the available locations for extensive solar farms in the immediate vicinity of Port Angeles.

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.