Smithville, Missouri, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for year-round solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. The location's latitude and longitude (39.3869, -94.5811) contribute to significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy output at this location fluctuates considerably throughout the year. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.74 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.13 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decline to 3.94 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.37 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production (a ratio of nearly 3:1) highlights the location's strong seasonal dependence. This variation is primarily due to changes in day length and sun angle throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Smithville, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit and seasonal variations in solar elevation.

Best Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable period for solar energy production in Smithville is from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar radiation reaching the panels. Summer solstice (around June 21) typically marks the peak of solar potential.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially impact solar production in Smithville:

1. Snow accumulation in winter, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
2. Occasional severe weather events, such as hailstorms or tornadoes, which may damage panels

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off, using hail-resistant panels, and ensuring a robust mounting system. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially after storms or heavy snowfall, can help maintain optimal performance.

While Smithville's location presents challenges for year-round solar production, particularly in winter, the strong performance during summer and spring makes it a viable option for solar energy generation, especially when combined with appropriate system design 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 Smithville

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.3869, Longitude: -94.5811 (Smithville, 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 34° South in Smithville, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Smithville, United States (Lat/Long 39.3869, -94.5811) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
23° South in Summer	44° South in Autumn	54° South in Winter	33° 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, United States

The topography around Smithville, United States, located at latitude 39.3869 and longitude -94.5811, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Midwest region. This area, situated in northwestern Missouri, is part of the dissected till plains, a landscape shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch. The terrain surrounding Smithville features a mix of open grasslands, scattered woodlands, and agricultural fields. The land gradually slopes towards the nearby Smithville Lake, a man-made reservoir created by damming the Little Platte River. This body of water significantly influences the local topography, creating a more varied landscape with shorelines, coves, and peninsulas.

Elevation and Terrain

The elevation in the Smithville area generally ranges from about 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The terrain is not particularly steep or rugged, with most slopes being gentle to moderate. This relatively flat to undulating landscape is punctuated by shallow stream valleys and low ridges, creating a subtle patchwork of highs and lows across the region.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain around Smithville offers some advantages for solar development, as it provides options for both flat and slightly sloped sites. Areas to the south and southeast of Smithville would likely be most suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These locations tend to have more open, agricultural land with fewer trees and obstructions. The gentle slopes in these areas can be beneficial for solar panel placement, allowing for natural drainage and potentially increasing energy capture by angling panels towards the sun. Ideal sites would be on elevated ground with southern exposure, away from flood-prone areas near the lake and rivers. Former agricultural fields or pastures that are no longer in active use could be prime candidates for solar development, as they often provide large, contiguous areas of open land. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as grid connectivity, local zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the Smithville area.

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.