Superior, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential, which directly impacts the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Superior, with an impressive daily output of 6.64 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.13 kWh per day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in solar production, with autumn yielding 3.01 kWh per day and winter bottoming out at just 2.05 kWh per day.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, with summer producing more than three times the energy of winter. This variation underscores the importance of efficient energy storage solutions to balance out the yearly fluctuations.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Superior, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 40 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Superior's location presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region experiences long, cold winters with significant snowfall, which can cover solar panels and reduce their efficiency. Additionally, the area is prone to overcast days, particularly during the fall and winter months, further limiting solar potential.

To mitigate these issues, several preventative measures can be taken:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow to slide off
• Use snow-shedding coatings on panels
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially after snowstorms
• Consider bifacial panels to capture reflected light from snow

While Superior may not be ideal for year-round solar production, the strong performance during spring and summer months can still make solar installations worthwhile, especially when combined with proper planning and maintenance strategies to maximize output during the less productive seasons.

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 Superior

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.7208, Longitude: -92.1041 (Superior, 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 40° South in Superior, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Superior, United States (Lat/Long 46.7208, -92.1041) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Superior, 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 Superior, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
30° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	60° South in Winter	39° 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 Superior, 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 Superior, 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 Superior, United States

The topography around Superior, United States, located at latitude 46.7208 and longitude -92.1041, is characterized by a diverse landscape shaped by glacial activity and its proximity to Lake Superior. The area features a mix of gently rolling hills, flat plains, and rocky outcrops. The city itself sits on a bay at the western tip of Lake Superior, with the land rising gradually as you move away from the shoreline. To the north and west of Superior, the terrain becomes more rugged, with higher elevations and steeper slopes as part of the North Shore Highland region. This area is known for its scenic beauty, with forested hills and numerous streams and rivers carving through the landscape. To the south and east, the land tends to be flatter, with more open areas and fewer dramatic changes in elevation. The region around Superior also includes wetlands, particularly in low-lying areas near rivers and streams. These wetlands play an important role in the local ecosystem and contribute to the area's biodiversity. The St. Louis River, which flows into Lake Superior near the city, has created a complex estuary system with numerous islands and backwaters.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have relatively flat terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal environmental impact. The areas south and east of Superior would likely be more suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These regions tend to have more open, flat land that could accommodate expansive solar arrays. Additionally, the flatter terrain would require less site preparation and grading, potentially reducing installation costs. Abandoned or underutilized agricultural lands in the surrounding counties could also be prime candidates for solar development. These areas often provide large, open spaces with minimal shading from trees or buildings, which is ideal for maximizing solar energy capture. However, it's important to note that the region's northern latitude means it receives less direct sunlight compared to more southern locations. This factor, combined with the area's cloudy climate and snowy winters, may impact the overall efficiency and output of solar installations. Developers would need to carefully consider these factors when planning large-scale solar projects in the region. Any potential solar development would also need to take into account local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and the capacity of the existing electrical grid to accommodate new renewable energy sources. Consultation with local authorities and environmental experts would be crucial in identifying the most appropriate sites for large-scale solar PV installations in the Superior 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.