Solar PV Analysis of Rockholds, United States
The location at Rockholds, Kentucky, in the United States is fairly suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round. However, there are some seasonal variations to consider.
In simple terms, a solar PV system installed here will produce more electricity in the summer and spring compared to autumn and winter. Specifically, you can expect around 6.45 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day from each kilowatt (kW) of your solar power installation during the summer months. In springtime, it's slightly less but still quite good at about 5.52 kWh/day per kW.
Autumn sees a drop in production to around 4.03 kWh/day per kW due to shorter days and lower sun angles. Winter has the lowest output with an average of only about 2.37 kWh/day per kW because of fewer sunlight hours and often cloudier weather.
As such, if you're planning on installing a solar PV system here for year-round use, you'll get most energy generation during the longer daylight hours of summer and spring.
For optimal performance throughout the year at this location in Kentucky, fixed panel installations should ideally be tilted towards south at an angle of 32 degrees - this helps maximize exposure to sunlight across different seasons.
When considering local factors that may affect solar production in Rockholds area: The region experiences moderate levels of rainfall throughout the year which could lead to occasional reduction in solar output due to cloudy skies or shading from rain clouds; however these aren't significant enough impediments as sunny days are more common overall.
One preventative measure that can be taken when installing your panels is ensuring they're positioned away from any potential sources of shade like large trees or buildings - this ensures they receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout all seasons despite varying sun angles or weather conditions.
Regular cleaning/maintenance is also important as dust accumulation or bird droppings on panels can reduce their efficiency. Automated cleaning systems or hiring a professional service periodically can help keep your panels in top condition and ensure greater energy production.
In summary, while there are some seasonal variations and minor weather-related challenges to consider, Rockholds, Kentucky is generally a good location for solar PV installations with the right setup and maintenance practices.
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 Rockholds
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.8203, Longitude: -84.1051 (Rockholds, 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 Rockholds, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rockholds, United States (Lat/Long 36.8203, -84.1051) 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 Rockholds, 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 Rockholds, 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 | 42° 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 Rockholds, 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 Rockholds, 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 Rockholds, United States
Rockholds is located in the state of Kentucky, United States. The topography around Rockholds is characterized by rolling hills and valleys as it's a part of the Cumberland Plateau. The region has mixed deciduous forests, rivers, and creeks.
For large scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are ideal to maximize sun exposure and minimize installation complexities. Taking into account these factors, potential suitable areas near Rockholds could be:
1. Open fields or farmlands: These can provide ample space for large-scale solar farms with minimal shading from trees or buildings.
2. Unused industrial lands: If there are any unused industrial lands nearby that have been cleared, these could also be suitable for solar farm installations.
3. Rooftops of large commercial buildings: Solar panels can also be installed on rooftops of commercial structures like warehouses which generally have a large flat surface area.
However, the feasibility would depend on several other factors including local climate (amount of sunshine), land availability & cost, accessibility to power grid infrastructure etc., hence detailed site-specific assessments would still be needed.
Also note that while Kentucky does have some potential for solar energy generation due to its latitude position ensuring fair sun exposure throughout the year; it's not among the top states in terms of solar irradiance compared to southwestern states like Arizona or New Mexico where sunlight is more intense and consistent across seasons making them better suited for largescale solar PV projects overall nationally.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 20th of May 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.
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.
