Star, Idaho, in the United States, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar productivity that potential solar adopters should consider.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Star produce their highest output during summer months, generating approximately 7.89kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.58kWh/day per installed kilowatt. Production decreases substantially in autumn to 3.81kWh/day and reaches its lowest point in winter at just 1.92kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

This pattern creates a nearly 4:1 ratio between summer and winter production, highlighting the seasonal variability at this latitude. The combined spring and summer seasons (roughly April through September) represent the prime solar generating period in Star, when panels will produce significantly above their annual average.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Star, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 37 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the annual solar harvest by balancing seasonal variations in sun position throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Star:

• Winter snow accumulation can temporarily cover panels, reducing output during already low-production months. Installing panels at the recommended 37-degree tilt helps with natural snow shedding, while occasional manual clearing may be necessary during heavy snowfall events.
• Summer wildfire smoke from regional forest fires has become increasingly common in Idaho and can significantly reduce solar radiation reaching panels. While unavoidable, system sizing should account for these potential seasonal reductions.
• Dust and pollen accumulation from agricultural activities in the surrounding Treasure Valley can gradually decrease panel efficiency. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule, especially after extended dry periods, helps maintain optimal production.

Despite these challenges, Star's location still provides sufficient solar resources to make photovoltaic systems viable, particularly when designed with these seasonal variations in mind. The substantial production during spring and summer months helps offset the reduced winter generation, making the annual average workable for properly sized systems.

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 Star

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.7013, Longitude: -116.4967 (Star, 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 Star, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Star, United States (Lat/Long 43.7013, -116.4967) 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 Star, 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 Star, 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	58° 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 Star, 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 Star, 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 Star, United States

The topography around Star, Idaho, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling plains, river valley features, and distant mountainous terrain. Star is situated in the western part of Idaho, in Ada County, nestled in the Boise River Valley. The landscape around this small city presents a transition zone between the Snake River Plain to the south and the foothills of the Boise Mountains to the northeast. The immediate vicinity of Star sits at an elevation of approximately 2,400 feet above sea level. The terrain in and around the town is relatively flat to gently undulating, with the Boise River flowing nearby, creating a riparian corridor that cuts through the otherwise semi-arid landscape. This river valley provides some of the most fertile agricultural land in the region.

Surrounding Terrain Features

Moving outward from Star, the topography begins to show more variation. To the north and northeast, the land gradually rises toward the Boise Foothills, which eventually give way to the more dramatic Boise Mountains. These foothills present a series of rolling, grass-covered slopes that become progressively steeper and more rugged as they extend northward. To the south and southwest, the landscape flattens considerably as it merges with the broader Snake River Plain. This extensive plain is characterized by its relatively level terrain interspersed with occasional buttes and low hills. The plain extends far to the east and west, creating wide open spaces with minimal topographical barriers. The western horizon from Star offers views toward Oregon, with the land maintaining its generally flat to rolling character. To the southeast, on clear days, the distant Owyhee Mountains can be seen rising above the plain.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

Several factors make certain areas around Star particularly suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic development. The most promising locations would be found on the flat to gently sloping terrain of the Snake River Plain to the south and southwest of Star. These areas offer several advantages: The relatively level terrain minimizes the need for extensive grading and site preparation, reducing construction costs and environmental disruption. The open character of the landscape means fewer natural obstacles like large trees or dramatic elevation changes that might cast shadows across solar arrays. Areas with slight south-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous for fixed (non-tracking) solar installations, as they naturally orient toward the sun's path. The semi-arid climate of this region means less vegetation management would be required compared to more humid regions. The agricultural lands immediately surrounding Star, while fertile, might not be ideal for large-scale solar development due to their productive value and potential irrigation infrastructure. However, the drier, less agriculturally productive lands further south on the Snake River Plain present better opportunities for solar development without significantly impacting food production. Some of the low rolling hills to the southwest of Star could also provide good sites, particularly where the land is already disturbed or has limited agricultural value. These slightly elevated positions can benefit from good drainage and minimal flood risk, both important considerations for long-term infrastructure investments. The foothills to the north, while offering good solar exposure on south-facing slopes, present more challenges in terms of access, construction complexity, and potential visual impacts. Additionally, some of these areas may have greater ecological sensitivity or recreational value that would need to be carefully considered in any development plans.

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.