Solar PV Analysis of Puyallup, United States
Puyallup, Washington, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. The location's latitude and longitude (47.2, -122.3153) contribute to significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy generation in Puyallup experiences substantial fluctuations across the 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. However, autumn and winter see a dramatic decline in production, with 2.54 kWh/day and 1.33 kWh/day respectively.
The stark contrast between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power throughout the year in this location. The long, sunny days of summer provide excellent conditions for solar energy generation, while the short, often overcast days of winter significantly reduce output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Puyallup, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors in Puyallup can impact solar energy production:
- Cloud cover: The Pacific Northwest is known for its frequent overcast conditions, particularly in fall and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rainfall: Puyallup experiences considerable rainfall, which can temporarily decrease panel efficiency.
- Snow: Winter snowfall can cover panels, obstructing sunlight and reducing energy production.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Install panels at the optimal 39-degree angle to maximize exposure and encourage snow and rain runoff.
- Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove debris and snow.
- Consider a ground-mounted system for easier access and cleaning during winter months.
While Puyallup's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable renewable energy option for 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 Puyallup
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.2, Longitude: -122.3153 (Puyallup, 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 Puyallup, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Puyallup, United States (Lat/Long 47.2, -122.3153) 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 Puyallup, 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 Puyallup, 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 | 39° 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 Puyallup, 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 Puyallup, 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 Puyallup, United States
The topography around Puyallup, Washington, is characterized by a mix of flat valleys and rolling hills. Puyallup itself is situated in the Puyallup River Valley, which is a relatively flat area surrounded by higher terrain. To the west, the land gradually rises towards the city of Tacoma and Puget Sound. To the east, the landscape becomes more varied, with increasing elevation as it approaches the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
The nearby South Hill area, just southeast of Puyallup, features gently rolling hills and plateaus. Further east, the terrain becomes more rugged and forested as it transitions into the Mount Rainier foothills. To the north and northeast, the land is generally flatter, comprising the Puyallup River floodplain and extending towards the cities of Sumner and Auburn.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. Ideal locations would have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from nearby mountains or forests. With these criteria in mind, some potentially suitable areas include:
1. The agricultural lands in the Puyallup River Valley, particularly to the east and southeast of the city. These areas offer flat terrain and open spaces with fewer obstructions to sunlight.
2. Portions of the South Hill plateau, where there are some larger open areas with minimal tree cover. However, care would need to be taken to avoid residential zones and preserve green spaces.
3. The flatter regions to the north and northeast, extending towards Sumner and Auburn. These areas have some open spaces that could potentially accommodate solar installations, though competing land uses would need to be considered.
It's important to note that while these areas may have suitable topography, other factors such as land availability, zoning regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, the Pacific Northwest's climate, with its frequent cloud cover and rain, may present challenges for solar energy production compared to sunnier regions of the United States.
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: Monday 14th of October 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.
