Solar PV Analysis of Show Low, United States
Show Low, Arizona, is a pretty good place for generating solar energy all year round. The amount of electricity you can generate from solar panels changes with the seasons. In summer and spring, you can expect to produce around 7.6 kWh per day for every kW of solar panels installed. This drops to about 5.4 kWh/day in autumn and down to 3.9 kWh/day in winter.
So, if you're looking at the best times of year for generating solar power here, it would definitely be during spring and summer when the sun is out longer and more directly overhead.
If you're planning on installing solar panels in Show Low, it's recommended that they are tilted at an angle of 30 degrees facing southwards so as to get maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year.
However there are some things that could potentially affect how much energy your solar panels produce here - mostly related to weather or local environmental conditions:
1) Snow: Show Low does experience snowfall during winter months which could cover your panels reducing their output.
Prevention: Consider installing a system that allows easy removal of snow or even automatic panel cleaning systems if budget allows.
2) Dust & Dirt: Being situated in Arizona means dust storms may occur which could accumulate on your panel surface reducing efficiency.
Prevention: Regular cleaning will ensure maximum sunlight reaches the cells; automated cleaning systems might be worth considering again depending upon budget constraints.
3) High Temperatures: Solar Panels operate less efficiently under extreme heat conditions which might occur during peak summers.
Prevention: Ensure adequate ventilation around your installation as this helps keep temperatures down improving performance.
Remember though these factors aren't going to completely stop production but might reduce it somewhat - overall Show Low still remains a fairly ideal location for harnessing solar energy!
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Show Low
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.2998, Longitude: -110 (Show Low, 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 30° South in Show Low, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Show Low, United States (Lat/Long 34.2998, -110) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Show Low, 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 Show Low, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18° South in Summer | 39° South in Autumn | 49° South in Winter | 27° 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 Show Low, 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 Show Low, 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 Show Low, United States
Show Low, United States is located in the state of Arizona. The topography around Show Low is characterized by a high desert landscape with an elevation of about 6,345 feet. The area features a mix of flatlands and rolling hills, with numerous forests and bodies of water nearby.
Arizona has one of the highest solar potentials in the United States due to its abundant sunshine throughout the year. However, considering the specific topographical features around Show Low, large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations would be most suited for relatively flat areas that are free from excessive shading caused by trees or other tall structures.
The desert areas surrounding Show Low could potentially be suitable for large-scale solar PV installation due to their relatively flat terrain and high sun exposure. Additionally, any cleared land or agricultural fields that aren't being used could also be potential sites for solar energy generation.
However, it's important to note that while these areas might have suitable physical characteristics for large-scale solar PV installation, other factors such as environmental impact assessments, local regulations and ordinances regarding land use and renewable energy installations should also be considered before deciding on a location.
It's always recommended to conduct a detailed site-specific analysis considering all these aspects before initiating any largescale renewable energy projects.
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 1st of July 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.
