Solar PV Analysis of Racine, United States
Racine, Wisconsin, located in the United States, is a decent spot for solar energy generation throughout the year. However, it's not perfect due to its location in the Northern Temperate Zone. The amount of solar energy you can generate varies by season: during summer you can expect about 6.24 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed; this drops to around 3.17 kWh/day in autumn and further drops to 1.80 kWh/day in winter; but it increases again to about 5.20 kWh/day during spring.
The best time for generating solar energy at this location is clearly summer, followed by spring and then autumn, with winter being the least ideal period due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun position.
If you're installing fixed panels at this location, tilting them towards south at an angle of approximately 37 degrees will give you maximum total year-round production from your photovoltaic system.
As far as local factors that could impede solar production are concerned, Racine's weather patterns might be relevant - particularly its cloud cover and snowfall during winter months which could potentially block sunlight from reaching the panels or damage them if heavy enough. In terms of preventative measures against these factors: regular cleaning and maintenance of the panels can help ensure they are free from dirt or snow which may block sunlight; using durable materials that can withstand heavy snowfall would also be beneficial.
Furthermore, Racine's topography could also impact your installation decision - if there are tall buildings or trees nearby that cast shadows on your property where you plan on installing panels, they would reduce efficiency significantly so choosing a site with minimal shading is crucial.
In conclusion: while Racine isn't an ideal location for year-round maximum solar production because of its seasonal variations in sunlight intensity and potential local weather impediments like cloud cover or snowfall - it is still a viable location for solar energy generation, especially if you install your panels at the right angle and take appropriate measures to mitigate potential issues.
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 Racine
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.7256, Longitude: -87.8588 (Racine, 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 37° South in Racine, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Racine, United States (Lat/Long 42.7256, -87.8588) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Racine, 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 Racine, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 35° 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 Racine, 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 Racine, 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 Racine, United States
Racine, United States is located in southeastern Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Michigan. The topography of this area is relatively flat to gently rolling, with elevations ranging from about 580 feet to 700 feet above sea level. The land consists of urban areas mixed with farmland and some forested areas.
In terms of solar photovoltaic (PV) potential, the best locations would be those with high sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or buildings. Flat or gently sloping lands are also ideal for large-scale solar PV installations as they require less site preparation and can accommodate more panels.
Given this, open farmlands surrounding Racine could be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations provided that they receive ample sunlight. Areas along the lakefront may also have potential if there are open spaces free from shade. However, it's important to note that these suggestions should be validated with a detailed site-specific assessment which considers many other factors like soil conditions, local regulations, proximity to power grids etc., apart from just topography and sunlight availability.
Additionally, installing solar panels on rooftops in urban areas can also contribute significantly towards renewable energy generation even though it may not qualify as "large scale". This approach can take advantage of existing structures without requiring additional land resources.
It's worth noting that Wisconsin has a relatively moderate solar resource compared to states further south or west. However, advancements in technology continue to make solar power an economically viable option in a wider range of climates and geographies.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 7th of February 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.
