Raeford, North Carolina, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 34.9879, -79.2169, presents a reasonably favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, though with significant seasonal variations.

The solar energy production in Raeford follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive season with an average of 6.49kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 6.11kWh/day. Production drops considerably in autumn to 4.46kWh/day, while winter sees the lowest output at just 2.82kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

For homeowners or businesses considering fixed solar panel installations in this location, positioning panels at a 31-degree tilt facing South will maximize year-round energy production. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of solar radiation throughout the changing seasons in Raeford's particular latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors in Raeford may impact solar energy production. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly during summer months, can temporarily reduce solar output. Hurricane season (June through November) occasionally brings severe weather that could damage installations if not properly secured.

Tree coverage is another consideration in this forested region of North Carolina. Shade from tall pines and deciduous trees can significantly reduce panel efficiency if not accounted for during installation planning.

Preventative measures to maximize production include:

• Installing panels with micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading
• Using hurricane-rated mounting systems with appropriate wind load calculations
• Implementing regular cleaning schedules to address pollen buildup in spring (pine pollen is particularly heavy in this region)
• Considering ground-mounted systems in areas where tree shading cannot be mitigated

Despite these challenges, Raeford's location supports viable solar energy production, with approximately 60% more energy generated during the peak months compared to winter. The substantial output during spring and summer months can help offset the reduced winter production, making solar a worthwhile investment for this North Carolina community.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Raeford

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.9879, Longitude: -79.2169 (Raeford, 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 31° South in Raeford, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Raeford, United States (Lat/Long 34.9879, -79.2169) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Raeford, 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 Raeford, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
19° South in Summer	40° South in Autumn	50° South in Winter	27° 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 Raeford, 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 Raeford, 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 Raeford, United States

The topography around Raeford, North Carolina presents a gently undulating landscape characteristic of the Sandhills region of the state. Located in Hoke County, Raeford sits in a transitional zone between the flatter Coastal Plain to the east and the more elevated Piedmont region to the west. The terrain features subtle rolling hills with modest elevation changes, typically ranging between 200 and 400 feet above sea level. The area's topography was largely shaped by ancient shorelines when this region was once the coast of a prehistoric ocean. This geological history has resulted in predominantly sandy soils throughout much of the surrounding landscape. Small streams and creeks dissect the terrain, creating shallow valleys between the low ridges. The most significant water feature in proximity to Raeford is Rockfish Creek, which flows eastward through the region.

Vegetation and Land Use

The natural vegetation around Raeford consists primarily of longleaf pine forests, though much of the original forest has been converted to other uses. Today, the landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields, pine plantations, small woodlots, and developed areas. The sandy soils support a distinctive ecosystem that includes wiregrass understory in less disturbed areas. Agricultural land is abundant in the flatter portions of the landscape, with fields of cotton, tobacco, soybeans, and other crops common throughout the region. The relatively flat terrain has made agriculture viable despite the somewhat poor quality of the sandy soils.

Potential for Solar PV Development

Several aspects of the Raeford area's topography make it conducive to large-scale solar photovoltaic development. The gently rolling terrain provides numerous sites with minimal need for extensive grading, which can significantly reduce construction costs for solar installations. The modest slopes found throughout the region are generally favorable for solar panel placement, allowing for optimal orientation toward the sun while facilitating natural drainage. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar development near Raeford would be: Agricultural lands with minimal slope, particularly those with poorer soils that might be less productive for farming. These open spaces already lack tree cover and would require minimal site preparation. Former timber plantation lands that have been recently harvested. These areas typically have good access roads already in place and minimal current economic use. The slightly elevated ridges throughout the region provide good exposure to sunlight with minimal shadowing effects from surrounding terrain. South-facing gentle slopes would be particularly advantageous for maximizing solar energy collection. Areas to the south and west of Raeford tend to have more open land with appropriate topographical features for solar development. The flatter expanses in these directions provide ample space for large arrays while minimizing earthwork requirements.

Topographical Considerations

While much of the land around Raeford is suitable for solar development from a topographical perspective, some areas present challenges. The stream valleys and associated wetlands would generally be poor choices for solar installations due to potential flooding, soil instability, and environmental regulations protecting these sensitive areas. Additionally, the sandier soils in some parts of the region may require specialized foundation designs for solar array mounting systems to ensure long-term stability. However, these engineering challenges are relatively minor compared to the advantages offered by the generally favorable terrain. The modest elevation changes throughout the area mean that morning and evening shadowing from terrain features is minimal, allowing for extended daily solar energy collection compared to more mountainous regions. This characteristic of the local topography enhances the overall potential for efficient solar energy production in the Raeford vicinity.

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.