Solar PV Analysis of Sullivan, United States
Sullivan, Missouri, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Sullivan, with an impressive daily output of 6.64 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.31 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 4.06 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.41 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Sullivan's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early fall. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the substantial drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during colder months.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Sullivan, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the optimal amount of sunlight throughout the year, considering the city's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Sullivan's location is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, may pose risks to solar installations
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using robust mounting systems to withstand high winds. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially after storms or heavy snowfall, can help maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, Sullivan offers a good location for solar PV energy generation, with particularly strong potential from late spring to early fall. While winter months see reduced output, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize year-round energy production.
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 Sullivan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.2081, Longitude: -91.1604 (Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sullivan, United States (Lat/Long 38.2081, -91.1604) 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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, United States
The topography around Sullivan, United States, located at latitude 38.2081 and longitude -91.1604, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Ozark Plateau region. This area, situated in east-central Missouri, features a landscape that has been shaped over millions of years by erosion and the weathering of limestone and dolomite bedrock.
The terrain in and around Sullivan consists of moderately elevated areas interspersed with shallow valleys and small streams. The elevation generally ranges from about 700 to 1,000 feet above sea level, with some higher points reaching up to 1,200 feet. The land is not particularly mountainous, but it does have a noticeable undulating quality that distinguishes it from the flatter regions to the north and east.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are several factors to consider. Ideal locations for solar farms typically require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure. In the vicinity of Sullivan, some of the more suitable areas might include:
- Open agricultural fields: The rural areas surrounding Sullivan often feature expansive farmlands that could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. These areas tend to be clearer of trees and have fewer obstructions to sunlight.
- Hilltops and ridges: Some of the higher elevations in the region, particularly those with southern-facing slopes, could provide excellent locations for solar panels. These areas often receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
- Abandoned or reclaimed mining sites: The broader region has a history of mining activity, and some of these now-unused areas could be ideal for solar farm development, as they are often already cleared and relatively flat.
- Areas along major highways: Land adjacent to Interstate 44, which runs near Sullivan, might be suitable for solar installations, as it's often already cleared and has good access to infrastructure.
It's important to note that while the topography around Sullivan does offer potential sites for solar PV development, any large-scale project would require detailed site-specific assessments. Factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, grid connectivity, and community acceptance would all need to be carefully evaluated before proceeding with a solar farm in this 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 16th of October 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.
