Springfield, Ohio, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 39.9534 and longitude -83.7801, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. However, the location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Springfield, with an average daily output of 6.23 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high performance is due to longer daylight hours and the sun's higher position in the sky. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating an average of 5.54 kWh per day per kW installed. The increasing daylight hours and warming temperatures contribute to this strong performance. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar output, with an average of 3.73 kWh per day per kW installed. This reduction is primarily due to shorter days and the sun's lower position in the sky. Winter presents the most challenging conditions for solar energy production in Springfield, with an average daily output of only 2.21 kWh per kW installed. The combination of shorter days, lower sun angle, and potential snow cover contributes to this reduced performance.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Springfield, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing South. This angle helps optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Springfield: 1. Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue. 2. Cloud cover, particularly prevalent during spring and fall, can decrease solar output. Using high-efficiency panels and microinverters can help maximize energy production even in partly cloudy conditions. 3. Potential shading from nearby trees or buildings should be considered when installing panels. Careful site assessment and strategic panel placement can minimize shading issues. 4. Dust and pollen accumulation, especially during spring and fall, can slightly reduce panel efficiency. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal performance. By addressing these factors during the installation process and maintaining the system properly, solar PV installations in Springfield can achieve consistent and reliable energy production throughout the year, despite the seasonal variations in solar output.

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 Springfield, Ohio

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.9534, Longitude: -83.7801 (Springfield, Ohio, 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 35° South in Springfield, Ohio, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Springfield, Ohio, United States (Lat/Long 39.9534, -83.7801) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Springfield, Ohio, 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 Springfield, Ohio, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
24° South in Summer	44° South in Autumn	54° South in Winter	33° 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 Springfield, Ohio, 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 Springfield, Ohio, 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 Springfield, Ohio, United States

The area around Springfield, Ohio (located at 39.9534°N, 83.7801°W) is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This region is part of the Till Plains, a subsection of the Central Lowlands physiographic province. The landscape is primarily composed of flat to slightly undulating plains, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys.

The topography in and around Springfield is relatively uniform, with elevations generally ranging from about 900 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The city itself sits in a shallow basin formed by Buck Creek and Mad River, which have carved subtle valleys through the otherwise level terrain. To the east and west of Springfield, the land gradually rises into low, broad hills.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would be the flat or gently sloping agricultural lands surrounding Springfield. These open spaces offer several advantages for solar development:

1. Minimal shading from trees or buildings
2. Easy access for construction and maintenance
3. Few natural obstacles that would require extensive site preparation

Particularly promising areas for solar PV development might include:

• The expansive farmlands to the north and northwest of Springfield
• Open fields to the east, towards South Vienna
• Agricultural areas south of the city, extending towards Yellow Springs

These locations combine favorable topography with proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, which is crucial for connecting large-scale solar installations to the power grid. However, it's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed environmental and geological assessments, as well as consideration of local zoning laws and community input.

While the relatively flat terrain around Springfield is generally conducive to solar PV development, developers would need to carefully consider factors such as soil quality, drainage patterns, and potential impacts on local agriculture when selecting exact locations for large-scale installations.

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.