Solar Energy Potential in Saint Francis, Wisconsin

Saint Francis, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal solar output provides insight into its suitability for photovoltaic (PV) installations. Summer presents the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 6.24 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 5.20 kWh/day. These seasons offer extended daylight hours and generally clearer skies, making them ideal for maximizing solar energy generation. Autumn sees a significant decrease in solar output, dropping to 3.17 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest production at 1.80 kWh/day, primarily due to shorter days, lower sun angles, and increased cloud cover typical of the region.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed-panel installations in Saint Francis, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 37 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar energy production in Saint Francis: 1. Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue. 2. Cloud cover: The region experiences significant cloud cover, particularly in autumn and winter. Using high-efficiency panels and incorporating energy storage solutions can help offset reduced production during cloudy periods. 3. Temperature fluctuations: Extreme cold in winter can actually improve panel efficiency, while summer heat may slightly reduce it. Proper ventilation behind panels can help maintain optimal operating temperatures. 4. Shading: Urban environments may present shading issues from nearby buildings or trees. Careful site assessment and potentially using microinverters or power optimizers can minimize the impact of partial shading. By addressing these factors during system design and installation, solar energy systems in Saint Francis can be optimized to produce electricity effectively throughout the year, despite seasonal variations and environmental challenges.

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 Saint Francis

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.9743, Longitude: -87.8709 (Saint Francis, 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 37° South in Saint Francis, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Saint Francis, United States (Lat/Long 42.9743, -87.8709) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Saint Francis, 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 Saint Francis, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
27° South in Summer	47° South in Autumn	57° South in Winter	36° 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 Saint Francis, 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 Saint Francis, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Saint Francis, United States

The area around Saint Francis, United States, located at latitude 42.9743 and longitude -87.8709, is characterized by a relatively flat topography typical of the Great Lakes region. This city is situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The terrain in and around Saint Francis is generally level, with only slight variations in elevation. The landscape is primarily urban and suburban, with a mix of residential areas, commercial zones, and some industrial sectors. The city itself sits on a gentle slope that rises gradually from the lakeshore westward. While there are no significant hills or mountains in the immediate vicinity, the land does have subtle undulations that create a gently rolling appearance in some areas.

Nearby Waterways and Green Spaces

One of the most prominent topographical features in the area is Lake Michigan itself, which forms the eastern border of Saint Francis. The shoreline is mostly developed, with a mix of parkland and residential properties. To the south of Saint Francis, the Kinnickinnic River flows into Lake Michigan, creating a small river valley that adds some variety to the otherwise flat landscape. Throughout the region, there are scattered parks and green spaces that provide breaks in the urban landscape. These areas often feature slight depressions or small hills, adding minor topographical interest to the predominantly flat terrain.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The relatively flat topography of the region is generally favorable for solar farms, as it reduces the need for extensive land grading and simplifies installation. Areas to the west and southwest of Saint Francis, moving away from the denser urban core of Milwaukee, might offer more suitable locations for large-scale solar projects. These areas tend to have more open space and less dense development, potentially providing the necessary land area for significant solar installations. Former industrial sites or brownfields in the greater Milwaukee area could also be considered for solar development. These locations often have large, flat surfaces and existing infrastructure that can be repurposed for solar energy production. However, it's important to note that the region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and significant snowfall in winter, may present challenges for solar energy generation. Additionally, the proximity to Lake Michigan can lead to increased humidity and potential for fog, which could impact solar efficiency. Despite these challenges, advancements in solar technology have made it increasingly feasible to implement large-scale solar projects in regions with less-than-ideal solar conditions. With careful site selection and proper engineering, areas around Saint Francis could potentially support significant solar PV installations, contributing to the region's renewable energy goals.

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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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.