Solar PV Analysis of Rawlins, United States
Rawlins, Wyoming, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 41.7963 and longitude -107.239, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar PV energy generation. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts its overall suitability for solar power production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Rawlins peaks during the summer months, with an impressive output of 7.77 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 6.34 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial decrease in solar output, with 4.18 kWh/day and 2.51 kWh/day respectively.
This stark contrast between seasons suggests that while Rawlins can be highly effective for solar energy production during summer and spring, it faces challenges during the colder months. The location's position in the Northern Temperate Zone contributes to these seasonal fluctuations, with shorter days and lower sun angles in winter significantly reducing solar potential.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Rawlins, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 36 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize 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 Rawlins can impact solar energy production:
- Snow accumulation: Rawlins experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can cover solar panels and reduce efficiency.
- Dust and wind: The area is prone to dust storms and high winds, which can deposit dirt on panels and potentially cause damage.
- Temperature extremes: Very cold winters and hot summers can affect panel efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be taken during solar installation:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off
- Use durable, wind-resistant mounting systems
- Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove dust and debris
- Choose high-quality panels designed to perform well in extreme temperatures
In conclusion, while Rawlins faces some challenges for year-round solar production, particularly in winter, it still offers significant potential during spring and summer. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a viable source of renewable energy in this location.
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 Rawlins
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.7963, Longitude: -107.239 (Rawlins, 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 36° South in Rawlins, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rawlins, United States (Lat/Long 41.7963, -107.239) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Rawlins, 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 Rawlins, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Rawlins, 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 Rawlins, 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 Rawlins, United States
The topography around Rawlins, Wyoming in the United States is characterized by a high desert landscape with rolling hills and expansive plains. Located in south-central Wyoming, Rawlins sits at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet above sea level. The surrounding area is part of the Great Divide Basin, a unique geographic feature where water does not drain to either the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.
The terrain near Rawlins is generally open and exposed, with sparse vegetation consisting mainly of sagebrush, grasses, and occasional patches of low-growing shrubs. To the north and south of the city, the landscape becomes more rugged, with rocky outcroppings and small canyons. The nearby Medicine Bow Mountains to the east provide a stark contrast to the otherwise relatively flat terrain.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would be the flat or gently sloping plains to the west and southwest of Rawlins. These regions offer several advantages for solar energy development:
- Abundant open space with minimal obstructions
- Relatively flat terrain, reducing the need for extensive land preparation
- High elevation, which can increase solar radiation intensity
- Low population density, minimizing potential conflicts with residential areas
- Proximity to existing power infrastructure, as Rawlins is an important energy hub
The area's semi-arid climate, with many clear, sunny days throughout the year, further enhances its suitability for solar power generation. However, developers would need to consider factors such as wind exposure, potential for dust accumulation on panels, and the need for robust mounting systems to withstand occasional severe weather events.
It's worth noting that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV installations, any large-scale development would require careful environmental impact assessments and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The presence of wildlife, including species like pronghorn antelope and sage grouse, would need to be taken into account in the planning and implementation of any major solar projects in the 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: 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.
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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.
