Solar PV Analysis of Port Orchard, United States
Port Orchard, Washington, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed landscape for solar energy generation. The city's position at 47.5329°N latitude and -122.5801°W longitude offers varying potential throughout the year for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Port Orchard fluctuates significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.91 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.21 kWh/day/kW. However, autumn and winter see a substantial drop in output, with 2.54 kWh/day/kW and 1.33 kWh/day/kW respectively.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The period from late spring through early fall offers the most favorable conditions for solar energy production in Port Orchard. During these months, longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies contribute to peak performance of solar PV systems. Conversely, the winter months present challenges due to shorter days and increased cloud cover typical of the Pacific Northwest climate.
Panel Tilt Optimization
For fixed panel installations in Port Orchard, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 39 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the city's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Port Orchard:
- Cloud cover: The region's frequent overcast conditions, especially in winter, can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rainfall: Port Orchard experiences considerable precipitation, which can affect panel efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal panel performance.
- Consider microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system output.
While Port Orchard's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production, particularly in winter, the strong performance during summer and spring makes solar PV systems a viable option for renewable energy generation in this area.
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 Orchard
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.5329, Longitude: -122.5801 (Port Orchard, 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 Orchard, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Port Orchard, United States (Lat/Long 47.5329, -122.5801) 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 Orchard, 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 Orchard, 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 | 61° 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 Orchard, 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 Orchard, 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 Port Orchard, United States
The topography around Port Orchard, Washington, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape. Port Orchard itself is situated on the Kitsap Peninsula, nestled along the shores of Sinclair Inlet, which is part of Puget Sound. The area features a mix of gently rolling hills, forested areas, and coastal lowlands.
The terrain in and around Port Orchard gradually rises from sea level at the waterfront to higher elevations inland. These hills, while not particularly steep or mountainous, provide some variation in the landscape. The region is dotted with numerous small streams and creeks that flow towards Puget Sound, creating shallow valleys and ravines throughout the area.
Much of the surrounding land is covered in dense evergreen forests, typical of the Pacific Northwest. These forests consist primarily of Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and Western hemlock trees. Interspersed among the forested areas are cleared spaces for residential developments, small farms, and open grasslands.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the topography and climate of the Port Orchard area present some challenges. The region experiences a significant amount of cloud cover and rainfall throughout the year, which can reduce solar energy potential. Additionally, the prevalence of forests and hilly terrain may limit suitable locations for expansive solar farms.
However, some areas nearby that might be more suited for large-scale solar PV installations include:
- Cleared agricultural lands to the south and west of Port Orchard, where there are more open spaces and fewer trees to obstruct sunlight.
- The relatively flat areas around the Bremerton National Airport, located southwest of Port Orchard, which may offer larger, unobstructed spaces.
- Some of the higher elevation areas on the hills surrounding Port Orchard, particularly those with south-facing slopes that receive more direct sunlight.
- Brownfield sites or former industrial areas in the broader Kitsap County region that could be repurposed for solar energy production.
It's important to note that while these areas may be more suitable compared to the immediate vicinity of Port Orchard, the overall solar potential in this region is generally lower than in sunnier parts of the United States. Any large-scale solar PV project in this area would require careful site selection, environmental impact assessments, and consideration of local regulations and community concerns.
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 8th of September 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.
