Solar PV Analysis of Mount Vernon, Washington, United States
Mount Vernon, Washington, in the United States, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) panels. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy output at this location varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.15 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.30 kWh per day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial drop in production, with 2.42 kWh and 1.34 kWh per day, respectively.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
Clearly, the period from late spring through early autumn offers the most favorable conditions for solar energy production in Mount Vernon. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy output. Conversely, the winter months present significant challenges due to shorter days and lower sun angles, resulting in substantially reduced energy generation.
Panel Tilt Angle
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several environmental and weather factors can impact solar production in Mount Vernon:
- Cloud cover: The Pacific Northwest is known for its frequent overcast conditions, particularly in fall and winter, which can significantly reduce solar output.
- Rainfall: Mount Vernon experiences considerable rainfall, especially during the winter months, which can further diminish solar panel efficiency.
- Snow: While not as prevalent as in some other northern regions, occasional snowfall can temporarily cover panels and reduce production.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Install high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions.
- Implement a robust cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove debris and ensure optimal panel performance.
- Consider using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
- Install panels at a steeper angle than the optimal 40 degrees to promote self-cleaning and snow shedding, if winter production is a priority.
While Mount Vernon's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and maintenance can still yield significant benefits, particularly during the more favorable spring and summer months.
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 Mount Vernon, Washington
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.4349, Longitude: -122.2023 (Mount Vernon, Washington, 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 40° South in Mount Vernon, Washington, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mount Vernon, Washington, United States (Lat/Long 48.4349, -122.2023) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Mount Vernon, Washington, 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 Mount Vernon, Washington, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32° South in Summer | 51° 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 Mount Vernon, Washington, 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 Mount Vernon, Washington, 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 Mount Vernon, Washington, United States
The area around Mount Vernon, Washington, located at 48.4349°N, 122.2023°W, features a diverse topography characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. Mount Vernon itself sits in the broad, flat Skagit Valley, which is known for its fertile agricultural land. This valley is part of a larger lowland area that extends from the Puget Sound eastward towards the Cascade Mountains.
To the west of Mount Vernon, you'll find the Skagit River delta, where the land is very flat and often marshy as it meets the waters of Puget Sound. Small islands and tidal flats are common in this area. Moving east from Mount Vernon, the landscape gradually becomes more hilly, with rolling terrain that eventually gives way to the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
To the north and south, the topography is characterized by a mix of low hills, small valleys, and scattered forests. These areas are generally more elevated than the valley floor but not as steep or rugged as the nearby mountain ranges.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the most promising locations would likely be found in the flatter portions of the Skagit Valley, particularly to the east and southeast of Mount Vernon. These areas offer several advantages:
- Large, open spaces with minimal shading from trees or hills
- Relatively flat terrain, reducing the need for extensive grading
- Proximity to existing infrastructure and power grid connections
- Less valuable for agriculture compared to the richest farmland in the central valley
However, it's important to note that the Pacific Northwest, including the Mount Vernon area, is known for its cloudy and rainy climate, which may impact the overall efficiency of solar installations. Additionally, any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local zoning regulations, and potential conflicts with agricultural land use in this productive farming region.
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: Saturday 12th 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.
