Solar PV Analysis of Rolla, United States
Rolla, Missouri, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 37.9475, -91.7636, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, with peak production occurring during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Rolla varies considerably across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.79 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 5.34 kWh/day. Autumn sees a decrease in production to 4.24 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.54 kWh/day.
The ideal time for solar energy generation in Rolla is from late spring through early fall, typically spanning from May to September. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency and output.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Rolla, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal changes in the sun's position and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Rolla's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Snow accumulation in winter months can temporarily reduce panel output.
- Occasional severe weather events, such as hailstorms or tornadoes, may pose risks to solar installations.
To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following preventative measures:
- Install panels at the optimal angle to promote snow sliding off naturally.
- Use durable, high-quality panels designed to withstand hail impacts.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance.
- Consider a ground-mounted system for easier access and maintenance if roof installation is not ideal.
By addressing these considerations, solar PV systems in Rolla can achieve greater energy production 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 Rolla
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.9475, Longitude: -91.7636 (Rolla, 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 33° South in Rolla, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rolla, United States (Lat/Long 37.9475, -91.7636) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Rolla, 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 Rolla, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Rolla, 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 Rolla, 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 Rolla, United States
The topography around Rolla, Missouri, in the United States, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and more rugged terrain typical of the Ozark Plateau. This region is known for its diverse landscape, which includes forested areas, open fields, and numerous streams and rivers.
The area surrounding Rolla features a combination of relatively flat plateaus and steep, narrow valleys. These valleys, often called "hollows" by locals, are carved out by the many creeks and rivers that flow through the region. The elevation in and around Rolla varies, but generally ranges from about 900 to 1,200 feet above sea level.
The landscape is dotted with numerous limestone and dolomite rock formations, which are characteristic of the Ozarks. These formations sometimes create interesting features like caves, springs, and natural bridges. The soil in the area tends to be thin and rocky, especially on hillsides, while valley bottoms may have deeper, more fertile soil.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are several factors to consider:
1. The most suitable locations would be relatively flat areas with good sun exposure. Some of the plateau regions and broader valley floors around Rolla could potentially meet these criteria. These areas would minimize the need for extensive land grading and maximize solar panel efficiency.
2. Open fields or cleared land would be preferable to forested areas, as they would require less preparation and have less environmental impact. Agricultural land that is no longer in use could be a good option.
3. Areas close to existing electrical infrastructure would be advantageous, as this would reduce the costs associated with connecting the solar farm to the power grid.
4. Locations away from residential areas and scenic viewpoints would be ideal to minimize visual impact and potential opposition from local communities.
5. Sites with good road access would be beneficial for construction and maintenance purposes.
While specific site selection would require detailed surveys and environmental assessments, areas to the north and west of Rolla, where the terrain tends to be slightly flatter and more open, might offer suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations. However, it's important to note that any such development would need to carefully consider local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community input.
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 September 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.
