Stillwater, Oklahoma, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (36.1138, -97.0531) contribute to varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Stillwater, with an impressive daily output of 7.14 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high yield is due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight during the summer months. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.52 kWh per day for each kW installed. The increasing daylight and generally clear skies contribute to this strong performance. Autumn sees a decrease in solar production, with 4.72 kWh per day per kW installed. While still providing decent energy output, the shorter days and potentially more overcast conditions result in lower yields compared to summer and spring. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy production in Stillwater, with only 3.12 kWh per day per kW installed. Shorter days, lower sun angles, and potentially more cloudy weather contribute to this reduced output.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Stillwater, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

While Stillwater's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Severe weather: Oklahoma is prone to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional hail, which could potentially damage solar panels. To mitigate this risk, it's advisable to use impact-resistant panels and ensure proper mounting and grounding of the system. 2. Dust and pollen: The region's agricultural activities and natural vegetation can lead to dust and pollen accumulation on panels, reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help maintain optimal performance. 3. Snow: Although not frequent, winter snowfall can temporarily reduce solar output. Installing panels at the recommended 32-degree tilt helps shed snow more easily, minimizing this impact. By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in Stillwater can achieve higher efficiency and longevity, making the most of the location's solar potential 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 Stillwater

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.1138, Longitude: -97.0531 (Stillwater, 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 32° South in Stillwater, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Stillwater, United States (Lat/Long 36.1138, -97.0531) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Stillwater, 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 Stillwater, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	51° South in Winter	30° 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 Stillwater, 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 Stillwater, 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 Stillwater, United States

The topography around Stillwater, Oklahoma, is characterized by gently rolling plains typical of the Great Plains region. The landscape is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys. The area sits at an average elevation of around 900 feet above sea level, with minimal dramatic changes in elevation.

Stillwater is located in north-central Oklahoma, where the terrain gradually transitions from the more rugged Cross Timbers region to the east into the flatter High Plains to the west. The land surrounding the city is a mix of prairie grasslands, scattered woodlands, and agricultural fields. Several small creeks and streams crisscross the area, including Stillwater Creek, which runs through the city.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would be the open, flat expanses to the west and northwest of Stillwater. These regions offer several advantages for solar energy development:

1. Abundant open space with minimal obstructions
2. Relatively flat terrain, reducing the need for extensive land preparation
3. Good solar exposure due to the lack of significant geographical features that could cast shadows
4. Proximity to existing infrastructure and the electrical grid

The rural areas west of Stillwater, extending towards Enid and Kingfisher, would be particularly well-suited for large-scale solar projects. These locations offer vast tracts of agricultural land that could potentially be repurposed or dual-used for solar energy production. The flat topography in this direction provides ideal conditions for maximizing solar panel efficiency and simplifying installation processes.

It's worth noting that while the immediate vicinity of Stillwater may have some suitable locations, expanding the search radius to include more of the western Oklahoma plains would likely yield even more optimal sites for large-scale solar PV development. These areas combine the necessary physical characteristics with the advantage of being in a region known for its high solar energy potential.

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.