Solar PV Analysis of Soldotna, United States
The location of Soldotna, Alaska is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone. However, there are times throughout the year when it can be quite effective.
In summer and spring, you could generate a good amount of electricity from solar panels. In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar power could produce around 5.22 kilowatt-hours per day on average; this drops slightly to about 4.44 kilowatt-hours per day in spring.
On the other hand, autumn and winter see significant reductions in potential output: only about 1.54 kilowatt-hours per day in autumn and a mere 0.54 kilowatt-hour per day during winter months.
To get the most out of your solar panels throughout the year at this location, they should be installed at an angle that tilts them towards the south by 51 degrees - this will help maximize total yearly energy production from your solar setup.
There are several factors specific to Soldotna which might impact how much energy you can generate with your solar panels:
1) The town's high latitude means it gets less sunlight during parts of the year compared to places closer to equator.
2) Weather conditions such as frequent snowfall or cloud cover can reduce or even block sunlight reaching your panels.
3) The cold temperatures might affect performance or damage equipment over time if not properly maintained and protected against freezing conditions.
To counter these challenges:
- You may have to clean off any snow accumulation regularly so that light can reach your panel surface more effectively.
- Use durable materials designed for colder climates when installing your system (for example: using specialized PV modules resistant against freezing temperatures).
- Consider using tracking systems that follow sun’s path across sky for maximum exposure – although these can add cost and complexity.
- Regular maintenance checks will also ensure optimal operation despite harsh weather conditions.
Remember though that while solar energy might not be as effective year-round in Soldotna compared to other locations, it can still contribute significantly towards your energy needs during the brighter months of 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 Soldotna
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 60.4863829, Longitude: -151.0571796 (Soldotna, 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 51° South in Soldotna, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Soldotna, United States (Lat/Long 60.4863829, -151.0571796) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 51° 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 Soldotna, 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 Soldotna, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 51° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44° South in Summer | 62° South in Autumn | 72° South in Winter | 52° 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 Soldotna, 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 Soldotna, 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 Soldotna, United States
Soldotna, Alaska is located in the Southcentral region of the state. The topography consists largely of flat and low-lying areas with numerous lakes and rivers, including the Kenai River. There are also forests and wetlands in this region. The area is surrounded by mountains to the east and west, including the Kenai Mountains.
As for large-scale solar PV installations, there are several factors to consider beyond just topography. These include sunlight exposure (insolation), temperature ranges, local regulations on renewable energy projects, proximity to power grids for energy transmission etc.
In terms of sunlight exposure or insolation levels, Soldotna like much of Alaska has long daylight hours during summer but very short days during winter with lower sun angles that reduce solar panel efficiency. This makes it less ideal for large-scale solar PV compared to regions closer to equator with more consistent year-round sunlight.
However if a largescale solar PV project were considered around Soldotna despite these challenges:
1) Open flat areas could be suitable as they would allow for easy installation and maintenance of panels.
2) Areas close to existing power infrastructure would be beneficial for easier connection to grid.
3) Land use considerations should favor sites where environmental impact can be minimized - avoiding ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands or dense forests.
It's important though that any location chosen should undergo a detailed site-specific assessment considering all relevant factors before proceeding with a large scale Solar PV project.
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 29th of April 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.
