Solar PV Analysis of Redmond, United States
In Redmond, Washington, United States, located at latitude 47.6451 and longitude -122.0425, the availability of sunlight for photovoltaic power generation fluctuates with the changing seasons. The highest energy output is observed during the summer months, with an average of 6.91kWh generated per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with an average daily yield of 5.21kWh per kW.
The energy production drops significantly in autumn and winter due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles, yielding averages of 2.54kWh/day per kW and 1.33kWh/day per kW respectively.
For optimal performance in this location, it is recommended to tilt fixed solar panels at an angle of 39 degrees facing southward; this orientation maximizes exposure to direct sunlight throughout the year.
However, Redmond's geographical positioning in the Northern Temperate Zone presents certain weather-related challenges that could potentially reduce solar efficiency over time periods characterized by unfavorable conditions such as heavy rainfall or snowstorms.
To mitigate these effects and ensure consistent power production year-round regardless of weather conditions, several preventative measures can be taken during installation:
1) Installing a robust mounting system can help protect panels from damage due to heavy snowfall or strong winds.
2) Regular maintenance including cleaning off accumulated debris or snow from panels will ensure they receive maximum sunlight.
3) Incorporating a battery storage system can help store excess power produced during sunny periods for use during times when generation may be lower due to adverse weather conditions.
4) Utilizing high-quality panels designed for resilience against harsh environmental factors will also contribute towards maintaining their efficiency over longer periods despite challenging local climate patterns.
It's important to note that while these measures may enhance overall productivity and longevity of your solar setup in Redmond's unique climatic context, specific site characteristics should also be evaluated carefully before installation for best results.
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 Redmond
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.6451, Longitude: -122.0425 (Redmond, 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 39° South in Redmond, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Redmond, United States (Lat/Long 47.6451, -122.0425) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31° South in Summer | 50° South in Autumn | 62° South in Winter | 40° 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond, United States
The topography around Redmond, United States is generally flat. The nearby areas that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV are the open fields and agricultural land to the east and south of Redmond. These areas have plenty of unobstructed space for solar panels, and they receive ample sunlight throughout the year.
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 11th of December 2023
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.
