Solar PV Analysis of Sparta, United States
Sparta, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 38.1334, -89.7062, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.
Seasonal Solar Production
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.59 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.42 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.01 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.44 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of changing sun angles and daylight hours throughout the year. Despite the winter dip, Sparta's location still allows for year-round solar energy generation, albeit with varying efficiency.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar production in Sparta, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 33-degree angle facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun path.
Environmental Considerations
While Sparta's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Winter snow accumulation can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended angle helps with snow shedding.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences partly cloudy conditions, which can intermittently affect solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help mitigate this issue.
To enhance solar production in Sparta, consider using snow-shedding panel frames, implementing a regular cleaning schedule, and choosing panels with good low-light performance. These measures can help maintain efficiency across all seasons and weather conditions.
Overall, while not ideal year-round due to seasonal variations, Sparta's location still offers good potential for solar PV energy generation, especially during the spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, a solar system in this area can provide significant energy benefits throughout 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 Sparta
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.1334, Longitude: -89.7062 (Sparta, 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 33° South in Sparta, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sparta, United States (Lat/Long 38.1334, -89.7062) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Sparta, 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 Sparta, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Sparta, 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 Sparta, 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 Sparta, United States
The topography around Sparta, United States (located at 38.1334°N, 89.7062°W) is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the Illinois Basin, which is known for its predominantly level landscape with occasional low-lying hills and shallow valleys. The region was shaped by glacial activity during the Ice Age, resulting in a mix of prairie and forested areas.
The land surrounding Sparta is primarily agricultural, with vast stretches of farmland interspersed with small patches of woodland. The terrain is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 400 to 600 feet above sea level. The area is drained by several small streams and creeks that eventually flow into larger rivers like the Kaskaskia and Mississippi.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are several factors to consider:
- Open, flat land: The agricultural fields surrounding Sparta provide ample open space that could potentially be used for solar farms. These areas offer minimal shading and easy access for construction and maintenance.
- South-facing slopes: Any gentle, south-facing slopes in the region would be ideal for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day. While the terrain is generally flat, even slight inclines facing south could improve efficiency.
- Proximity to power infrastructure: Areas close to existing power lines and substations would be preferable to minimize the cost of connecting to the grid.
- Avoiding floodplains: While the region is relatively flat, it's important to avoid low-lying areas near streams and rivers that may be prone to flooding.
Given these considerations, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be the expansive agricultural fields to the north, east, and south of Sparta. These areas offer large, uninterrupted spaces with minimal topographical variation, making them ideal for solar panel placement. However, specific site selection would require detailed surveys and environmental assessments to ensure optimal placement and minimal impact on local ecosystems and agriculture.
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: Sunday 22nd of September 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.
