Solar Energy Potential in Red Rock, Oklahoma

The location of Red Rock, Oklahoma, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 36.4592, -97.1789, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. While not ideal in all seasons, this location still presents opportunities for effective solar PV installations. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.13 kWh of electricity output per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This high yield makes summer an excellent time for solar energy generation in Red Rock. Spring follows as the second-best season, producing 5.49 kWh per day. This significant output indicates that spring is also a favorable time for solar energy production in the area. Autumn sees a decrease in solar potential, generating 4.67 kWh per day. While lower than summer and spring, this output still contributes meaningfully to the overall annual energy production. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with daily output dropping to 3.06 kWh. This reduction is due to shorter days and the sun's lower position in the sky during winter months.

Optimal Panel Installation

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Red Rock, the ideal angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees tilted towards the South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's specific latitude and seasonal variations in solar elevation.

Environmental Considerations

While Red Rock doesn't face significant environmental challenges for solar production, there are a few factors to consider: 1. Occasional severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes, could potentially damage solar installations. 2. Dust and pollen accumulation on panels may slightly reduce efficiency, especially during dry periods. To mitigate these issues, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand high winds
• Install protective covers or hail guards where appropriate
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule for the panels
• Consider automated cleaning systems for larger installations

By addressing these factors, solar installations in Red Rock can maintain optimal performance and longevity, making the most of the available solar resources throughout the year.

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 Red Rock

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.4592, Longitude: -97.1789 (Red Rock, 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 32° South in Red Rock, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Red Rock, United States (Lat/Long 36.4592, -97.1789) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Red Rock, 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 Red Rock, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	52° South in Winter	30° 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 Red Rock, 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 Red Rock, 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 Red Rock, United States

The topography around Red Rock, United States, located at latitude 36.4592 and longitude -97.1789, is characterized by gently rolling plains typical of north-central Oklahoma. This area is part of the larger Central Plains region, which features relatively flat to moderately hilly terrain. The landscape is primarily composed of grasslands and agricultural fields, with scattered patches of woodland, particularly along streams and rivers. The elevation in this region generally ranges from about 900 to 1,200 feet above sea level, with subtle variations across the landscape. The Arkansas River flows nearby, creating a shallow valley and contributing to the area's gentle undulations. Small creeks and tributaries further shape the local topography, carving shallow depressions and forming minor ridges between drainages.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain around Red Rock offers numerous potential sites for solar farms. The most suitable areas would be those with the following characteristics: Firstly, relatively flat or slightly south-facing slopes would be ideal, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. Many of the agricultural fields and open grasslands in the vicinity could meet this criterion. Secondly, areas with minimal shading from trees or other obstructions would be preferable. The open nature of the landscape around Red Rock provides many locations that fulfill this requirement, particularly in regions farther from water sources where tree cover is sparser. Thirdly, locations with good access to existing infrastructure, such as roads and power transmission lines, would be advantageous for the development of solar PV projects. Areas near major highways or existing power facilities could be particularly suitable. Lastly, sites that are not prone to flooding and have stable soil conditions would be ideal. Higher ground away from the Arkansas River and its tributaries would likely offer the best options in this regard. Given these considerations, the vast expanses of agricultural land and grasslands to the north and east of Red Rock would likely provide numerous suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations. These areas generally offer the right combination of topographical features, open space, and infrastructure access needed for successful solar energy development.

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.