Solar PV Analysis of Cambridge, Minnesota, United States
Cambridge, Minnesota, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a varied potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (45.5563, -93.2836) contribute to its distinct seasonal patterns in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy generation in Cambridge experiences significant fluctuations across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive average daily output of 6.76 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.30 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop in production, averaging 3.25 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.28 kWh/day.
Optimal Installation Angle
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Cambridge, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 39 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific solar elevation angles.
Best Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Cambridge are during the summer months, typically from June through August. These months offer longer daylight hours and higher sun angles, resulting in peak energy production. Spring, particularly from April to May, also provides favorable conditions for solar generation.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Cambridge faces some environmental and weather-related challenges that could impact solar production:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at a steeper angle and using snow-shedding systems can help mitigate this issue.
- Cloudy days, particularly common in autumn and winter, can decrease energy output. Utilizing high-efficiency panels and micro-inverters can help maximize production even in low-light conditions.
Despite these challenges, with proper planning and installation techniques, solar energy remains a viable option for Cambridge residents. The substantial energy production during spring and summer can help offset the lower output during autumn and winter, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to harness renewable energy in this Northern Temperate Zone location.
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 Cambridge, Minnesota
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.5563, Longitude: -93.2836 (Cambridge, Minnesota, 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 Cambridge, Minnesota, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cambridge, Minnesota, United States (Lat/Long 45.5563, -93.2836) 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 Cambridge, Minnesota, 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 Cambridge, Minnesota, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29° South in Summer | 49° South in Autumn | 59° South in Winter | 38° 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 Cambridge, Minnesota, 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 Cambridge, Minnesota, 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 Cambridge, Minnesota, United States
The topography around Cambridge, United States (located at latitude 45.5563 and longitude -93.2836) is generally characterized by a relatively flat landscape with subtle variations. This area is part of the broader Central Lowlands region, which is known for its gently rolling terrain and numerous lakes and rivers.
The landscape surrounding Cambridge features a mix of open fields, scattered woodlands, and wetland areas. The terrain is primarily the result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which left behind a mix of glacial till and outwash plains. This glacial history has created a subtle undulating surface with occasional low hills and shallow depressions.
The Rum River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, flows through the area, adding some topographic variation to the otherwise relatively flat landscape. The river valley provides some of the more noticeable changes in elevation in the vicinity of Cambridge.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the open agricultural lands surrounding Cambridge offer promising potential. These areas typically have the following advantageous characteristics for solar energy development:
- Large, flat expanses of land with minimal shading from trees or structures
- Good sun exposure throughout the day
- Existing road access for construction and maintenance
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for grid connection
Specifically, the rural areas to the east and west of Cambridge, where there are extensive farmlands, could be particularly well-suited for solar PV installations. These locations often have fewer residential developments and larger parcels of land available, which is ideal for utility-scale solar projects.
However, it's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would also need to be evaluated when determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV development in the area around Cambridge.
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 13th of August 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.
