Solar PV Analysis of Lexington, Tennessee, United States
Lexington, Tennessee, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 35.6491, -88.3945, presents a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which can impact the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Lexington reaches its peak during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 6.37 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.73 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.34 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.60 kWh/day.
The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Lexington are from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency and output.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Lexington, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 31 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal changes in the sun's position.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Lexington generally offers good conditions for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Occasional severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, which may cause physical damage to panels or temporary power outages
- Humid subtropical climate, which can lead to increased dust and pollen accumulation on panels
To mitigate these issues, consider implementing the following preventative measures:
- Install sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand high winds
- Use protective covers or shelters for panels during extreme weather events
- Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to remove dust and debris
- Consider micro-inverter or power optimizer systems to minimize the impact of partial shading or panel damage
By addressing these factors and optimizing panel placement, Lexington residents can maximize their solar energy production and enjoy the benefits of 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 Lexington, Tennessee
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.6491, Longitude: -88.3945 (Lexington, Tennessee, 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 31° South in Lexington, Tennessee, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lexington, Tennessee, United States (Lat/Long 35.6491, -88.3945) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Lexington, Tennessee, 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 Lexington, Tennessee, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 51° South in Winter | 28° 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 Lexington, Tennessee, 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 Lexington, Tennessee, 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 Lexington, Tennessee, United States
The area around Lexington, Tennessee, located at approximately 35.6491°N and 88.3945°W, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the western Tennessee region. This part of the state is situated in what's known as the West Tennessee Plain, which is part of the larger Gulf Coastal Plain.
The topography in this area is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 400 to 600 feet above sea level. The landscape is a mix of agricultural fields, pastures, and patches of deciduous forests. Small streams and creeks crisscross the terrain, eventually feeding into larger rivers like the Beech River to the north of Lexington.
While the area isn't completely flat, it lacks the more dramatic elevation changes found in the eastern parts of Tennessee. This gentler topography is a result of millions of years of erosion and sediment deposition from ancient seas and rivers that once covered the region.
Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas nearby would be:
- Open agricultural lands: The numerous farm fields and pastures in the region provide large, flat areas ideal for solar panel arrays. These spaces often have minimal shading and good sun exposure throughout the day.
- Gently sloping hillsides: South-facing slopes in the area could be particularly well-suited for solar installations, as they naturally receive more direct sunlight throughout the year.
- Former industrial or commercial sites: Any nearby brownfield sites or abandoned industrial areas could be repurposed for solar farms, making efficient use of land that might otherwise go unused.
- Areas near existing electrical infrastructure: Locations close to power lines or substations would be advantageous for easier grid connection and reduced transmission costs.
It's important to note that while the topography around Lexington is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar projects in the 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: Friday 23rd of August 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.
