Solar PV Analysis of Redgranite, United States
Redgranite, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 44.0439, -89.0989, presents varied potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal production patterns show significant fluctuations that are important to understand when considering solar installation in this area.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy production in Redgranite follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive season, generating approximately 6.44kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.11kWh/day. Production decreases substantially in autumn to 3.22kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 2.14kWh/day per installed kilowatt.
This seasonal variation means that a solar installation in Redgranite will produce about three times more energy in summer than in winter. This pattern is typical for northern temperate locations where the sun's path is much higher and days are longer during summer months.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Redgranite, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 38 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize annual energy capture based on the location's latitude and seasonal solar patterns.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several environmental factors in Redgranite can impact solar production and should be considered when planning an installation:
- Snow accumulation during Wisconsin winters can significantly reduce production if panels become covered. Installing panels at the recommended 38-degree tilt helps with natural snow shedding, and occasional manual clearing may be necessary.
- Tree coverage is common in this forested region of Wisconsin and can create shading issues. A thorough site assessment to identify potential shading throughout the year is crucial before installation.
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing snow guards or heating elements for panels in areas with heavy snowfall. Additionally, microinverters or power optimizers can help minimize production losses when partial shading occurs.
While Redgranite doesn't offer the solar potential of southwestern states, proper system design accounting for these seasonal variations and environmental factors can still result in a viable solar installation. The substantial summer and spring production can help offset the reduced winter output in the overall annual energy generation calculation.
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 Redgranite
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.0439, Longitude: -89.0989 (Redgranite, 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 38° South in Redgranite, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Redgranite, United States (Lat/Long 44.0439, -89.0989) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Redgranite, 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 Redgranite, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 37° 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 Redgranite, 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 Redgranite, 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 Redgranite, United States
The landscape surrounding Redgranite, Wisconsin, presents a gently rolling terrain characteristic of the central Wisconsin region. Located in Waushara County, this area was shaped significantly by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a mix of modest hills, shallow valleys, and scattered wetlands. The elevation around Redgranite averages approximately 860 feet (262 meters) above sea level, with minimal dramatic changes in elevation throughout the immediate vicinity.
The topography features a combination of agricultural fields, woodlands, and small water bodies. The most notable terrain feature near Redgranite is the presence of quarries, including the historic Redgranite Quarry, which reflects the area's geological history and past mining activities. These quarries create localized depressions in an otherwise moderately uniform landscape.
Soil and Surface Characteristics
The soils around Redgranite are predominantly sandy loams and loamy sands, a legacy of glacial deposits. These soil types provide relatively good drainage in most areas, though some lower-lying sections may retain moisture longer after precipitation events. The region also contains scattered glacial erratics—large boulders transported and deposited by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.
Vegetation cover varies throughout the area, with mixed hardwood forests interspersed with agricultural land. The natural forest areas consist primarily of oak, maple, and pine species, while farmland is dedicated to row crops and some pasture. This patchwork of different land uses creates a visually diverse landscape despite the relatively modest relief.
Potential Areas for Solar PV Development
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several areas around Redgranite offer promising conditions. The most suitable locations would be found on gently sloping, south-facing terrain that maximizes sun exposure throughout the day. Former agricultural lands or previously disturbed areas provide ideal sites for solar development, as they minimize the need for additional land clearing.
Specifically, the agricultural fields south and southwest of Redgranite present favorable conditions for solar PV development. These areas typically feature minimal shading from natural features, relatively flat terrain with subtle southern slopes, and existing access to transportation infrastructure. The sandy soils in these locations also provide good drainage, reducing concerns about erosion or flooding that might affect solar infrastructure.
Areas to avoid would include the wetlands and water features scattered throughout the region, as well as heavily forested sections that would require significant clearing. The northern sides of the more prominent hills would also be less optimal due to reduced direct sunlight exposure.
The existing electrical transmission infrastructure near Redgranite offers potential interconnection points for solar development, though capacity assessments would be necessary for any large-scale project. The relatively open landscape also means that wind exposure is moderate to high, requiring robust mounting systems for solar panels to withstand occasional strong weather systems that move through the region.
In summary, while Redgranite's topography is not dramatically varied, it offers numerous suitable locations for solar PV development, particularly in the gently rolling former agricultural lands that feature good drainage, minimal shading, and southern exposures.
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: Tuesday 10th of June 2025
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.
