Solar PV Analysis of Tacoma, United States
Tacoma, Washington, located in the United States at latitude 47.2962 and longitude -122.3953, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Tacoma peaks during the summer months, with an impressive average daily output of 6.91 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 5.21 kWh per day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial drop in solar generation, with daily averages of 2.54 kWh and 1.33 kWh, respectively.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the productive summer months and the challenging winter period. The long, sunny days of summer provide excellent conditions for solar energy generation, while the short, often overcast days of winter significantly reduce solar output.
Optimal Panel Placement
To maximize year-round solar production in Tacoma, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
Tacoma's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region is known for its frequent cloud cover and rainfall, particularly during the autumn and winter months. These conditions can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency.
To mitigate these environmental factors, consider the following measures:
- Use high-efficiency solar panels that perform well in low-light conditions
- Install a robust mounting system to withstand occasional strong winds
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove debris and maximize panel efficiency
Despite these challenges, advancements in solar technology continue to improve panel performance in less-than-ideal conditions. With proper planning and installation, solar energy can still be a viable option for Tacoma residents, particularly when taking advantage of the highly productive summer months.
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 Tacoma
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.2962, Longitude: -122.3953 (Tacoma, 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 39° South in Tacoma, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tacoma, United States (Lat/Long 47.2962, -122.3953) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31° South in Summer | 50° South in Autumn | 61° 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, United States
The topography around Tacoma, Washington, is quite diverse and interesting. The city itself sits on a relatively flat coastal plain along the shores of Puget Sound, but it's surrounded by more varied terrain. To the east, the land gradually rises into rolling hills and plateaus, eventually leading to the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range. These eastern areas are characterized by a mix of forested land and open spaces.
To the south and southeast of Tacoma, you'll find the broad Puyallup River Valley, which is relatively flat and has been extensively used for agriculture. This valley is flanked by gentle hills and ridges. As you move further south, the terrain becomes more rugged, with Mount Rainier dominating the landscape in the distance.
The western side of Tacoma is defined by the waters of Puget Sound, with numerous bays, inlets, and peninsulas creating a complex shoreline. Islands dot the sound, adding to the region's geographical diversity. North of Tacoma, the land is generally hilly, with numerous lakes and forested areas.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the Puyallup River Valley to the south and southeast of Tacoma presents some promising options. This area offers relatively flat terrain, which is ideal for solar farms as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation. The open agricultural spaces in this valley could potentially be repurposed or shared with solar installations.
Additionally, some of the gently sloping hillsides to the east of Tacoma might be suitable for solar PV projects. These areas often receive good sun exposure and could accommodate large installations. However, care would need to be taken to avoid heavily forested areas or locations with significant environmental sensitivity.
It's important to note that while the topography around Tacoma offers some suitable areas for solar PV, the region's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and rain, especially in winter months, presents challenges for solar energy generation. Any large-scale solar project in this area would need to carefully consider these factors, along with local zoning regulations and environmental impacts, before proceeding.
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: Thursday 22nd 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.
