Summerfield, North Carolina, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 36.2088 and longitude -79.9048, presents a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. However, the effectiveness of solar panels varies significantly across seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.68 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high yield is due to longer daylight hours and the sun's higher position in the sky. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.91 kWh per day. The increasing daylight and warming temperatures contribute to this robust performance. Autumn sees a moderate decline in solar production, with 4.31 kWh generated daily. While still respectable, this decrease reflects shorter days and the sun's lower angle. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.70 kWh per day. Shorter days, lower sun angles, and potentially cloudy weather contribute to this reduced performance.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Summerfield, 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 Considerations

While Summerfield's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors to consider: 1. Tree coverage: The area's vegetation might cast shadows on solar panels, reducing their efficiency. 2. Seasonal weather patterns: Occasional severe storms or hurricanes could potentially damage solar installations. To mitigate these issues, consider the following preventative measures: - Conduct a thorough site assessment to identify and address potential shading issues. - Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand severe weather conditions. - Implement regular maintenance schedules to ensure optimal panel performance and longevity. By addressing these factors, Summerfield residents can maximize their solar energy production and enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy 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 Summerfield

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.2088, Longitude: -79.9048 (Summerfield, 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 Summerfield, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Summerfield, United States (Lat/Long 36.2088, -79.9048) 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 Summerfield, 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 Summerfield, 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	29° 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 Summerfield, 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 Summerfield, 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 Summerfield, United States

The area around Summerfield, United States, located at 36.2088 degrees north latitude and -79.9048 degrees west longitude, is characterized by gently rolling hills and a mix of open fields and wooded areas. This region, situated in the Piedmont of North Carolina, features a landscape that transitions between the flatter coastal plain to the east and the more mountainous Appalachian region to the west.

The topography in and around Summerfield is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 700 to 900 feet above sea level. The terrain consists of low, rounded hills interspersed with shallow valleys and small streams. This creates a patchwork of open spaces and forested areas, with many cleared fields used for agriculture or pasture.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would be the open, relatively flat fields that are abundant in the region. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development:

1. Minimal shading from trees or hills, allowing for maximum sun exposure throughout the day
2. Easy access for construction and maintenance vehicles
3. Lower costs for site preparation due to the relatively flat terrain
4. Reduced environmental impact compared to clearing forested areas

Ideal locations for solar PV installations would be found on the tops of gentle slopes or on plateaus, where they can receive optimal sunlight and have good drainage. South-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

It's important to note that while the topography around Summerfield is generally favorable for solar PV development, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations. Factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to power infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar projects 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!

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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.