Bloomington, California, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 34.0662, -117.3993, presents a generally favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal electricity output varies significantly, with the highest production occurring during summer months.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy generation at this location shows distinct seasonal patterns. Summer delivers the highest output at 8.39kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely with 7.71kWh/day, while autumn production drops to 5.48kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest generation at 3.91kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

This seasonal variation means that Bloomington residents can expect approximately twice as much solar electricity production in summer compared to winter months. The location's position in the Northern Sub Tropics provides relatively strong solar potential year-round, though with noticeable seasonal differences.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Bloomington, the ideal angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing South. This tilt angle provides the best balance for capturing sunlight throughout the changing seasons, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Bloomington. The region experiences occasional dust storms and air pollution from nearby industrial areas and transportation corridors, which can accumulate on panels and reduce efficiency. The area's proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains may also create localized weather patterns that affect solar radiation.

Additionally, Southern California's periodic drought conditions can actually benefit solar production by reducing cloud cover, but the same dry conditions may lead to increased dust accumulation on panels.

Mitigation Strategies

To maximize solar energy production in Bloomington, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Regular panel cleaning schedules to remove dust and pollutant buildup
• Installation of panels at the optimal 30-degree south-facing angle
• Consideration of tracking systems for installations seeking maximum output
• Use of anti-reflective coatings on panels to improve performance during diffuse light conditions
• Selection of solar equipment rated for high-temperature operation, as summer temperatures can reduce panel efficiency

With these considerations addressed, Bloomington's location provides an excellent opportunity for solar energy generation, particularly from spring through fall when production levels are highest.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Bloomington, California

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.0662, Longitude: -117.3993 (Bloomington, California, 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 30° South in Bloomington, California, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bloomington, California, United States (Lat/Long 34.0662, -117.3993) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Bloomington, California, 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 Bloomington, California, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
18° South in Summer	39° South in Autumn	49° South in Winter	27° 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 Bloomington, California, 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 Bloomington, California, 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 Bloomington, California, United States

The area around Bloomington, California, is situated in the southwestern portion of San Bernardino County, nestled within the eastern region of the Inland Empire. The topography of Bloomington and its surrounding areas is characterized by relatively flat valley terrain that gradually transitions to rolling hills and eventually to more pronounced mountain ranges in the distance. Bloomington itself sits at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet (335 meters) above sea level in what is known as the San Bernardino Valley. This valley is part of a broader inland basin that extends between the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and northwest, the San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast, and the Box Springs Mountains to the southeast.

Valley Floor Characteristics

The immediate area around Bloomington features a predominantly level landscape with subtle undulations. This flat valley floor was formed by ancient alluvial deposits from the nearby mountain ranges, creating fertile soil that historically supported agricultural activities before urbanization took hold. The gentle gradient of the land allows for expansive views of the surrounding mountains on clear days.

Surrounding Elevated Features

To the north, the San Gabriel Mountains rise dramatically, forming a striking backdrop to the region. These mountains reach elevations exceeding 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) at their highest points. The San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast are similarly impressive, with peaks surpassing 11,000 feet (3,353 meters). Closer to Bloomington, several smaller hills and elevated areas punctuate the otherwise flat valley terrain. These modest rises provide subtle topographic variation to the landscape. The Jurupa Mountains lie to the south, while the Box Springs Mountain and the beginnings of the Badlands formation can be found to the southeast.

Hydrological Features

The Santa Ana River, the largest waterway in Southern California's coastal basin, flows through the broader region, though not directly through Bloomington. This river and its associated watershed have shaped much of the local topography through erosion and sediment deposition over millennia. Several smaller creeks and drainage channels crisscross the valley floor, many of which are seasonal and only carry significant water during rainy periods.

Solar PV Suitability in the Region

The topographical characteristics of the Bloomington area make several nearby locations particularly well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations:

Valley Floor Areas

The flat, open terrain of the San Bernardino Valley provides ideal conditions for solar PV development. Areas to the east and southeast of Bloomington, extending toward San Bernardino and Loma Linda, offer extensive flat landscapes with minimal shading concerns. These locations benefit from the combination of level ground (reducing installation costs) and the region's abundant sunshine.

Transitional Zones

The transitional zones between the valley floor and the foothills, particularly those extending toward Fontana and Rialto to the west and northwest of Bloomington, present opportunities for solar development. These areas often feature slightly elevated terrain with good drainage and minimal flood risk, while still maintaining the relatively flat surfaces needed for efficient solar array installation.

High Desert Regions

Though further afield, the high desert regions north of the San Bernardino Mountains offer perhaps the most promising locations for truly large-scale solar PV development. The Victorville and Adelanto areas, approximately 35 miles north of Bloomington, feature vast expanses of flat, arid land with exceptional solar exposure. These areas already host several utility-scale solar installations due to their ideal topographical and climatic conditions.

Considerations for Development

While topography is favorable in many areas surrounding Bloomington, solar developers must consider other factors including land availability, proximity to transmission infrastructure, and environmental sensitivities. The region's continued urbanization has reduced available open space, particularly in the immediate vicinity of Bloomington. Additionally, some of the flatter areas near water courses may be subject to occasional flooding or have designated floodplain restrictions. The more elevated areas in the nearby foothills, while potentially offering excellent solar exposure, may present challenges related to slope stability and access for construction and maintenance. However, modern solar mounting systems can accommodate moderately sloped terrain, making some of these areas viable with appropriate engineering solutions.

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.