Tigard, Oregon, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location, with coordinates 45.4085, -122.7981, experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Tigard, with an impressive daily output of 7.12 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.46 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with outputs of 2.90 kWh/day and 1.36 kWh/day, respectively.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold months, with summer producing more than five times the energy of winter. This variation suggests that while solar energy can be a viable option in Tigard, it may require supplementary energy sources during the less productive months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Tigard, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 37-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Tigard's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region experiences significant cloud cover and rainfall, particularly during the autumn and winter months. These conditions can substantially reduce solar panel efficiency.

To mitigate these environmental factors, consider the following measures:

• Use high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in low-light conditions
• Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove debris and ensure optimal panel performance

Additionally, Tigard's location in the Pacific Northwest means it may be subject to occasional snow in winter. While snowfall is generally light, it's important to install panels at the recommended angle to facilitate natural snow shedding and consider snow removal strategies for heavier accumulations.

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and installation, solar energy can still be a valuable component of a diversified energy strategy in Tigard, particularly during the highly productive summer and spring 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 Tigard

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.4085, Longitude: -122.7981 (Tigard, 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 37° South in Tigard, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tigard, United States (Lat/Long 45.4085, -122.7981) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Tigard, 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 Tigard, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
29° South in Summer	48° South in Autumn	60° South in Winter	38° 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 Tigard, 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 Tigard, 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 Tigard, United States

The topography around Tigard, Oregon, located at approximately 45.4085°N and 122.7981°W, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, flat valleys, and low-lying areas. Tigard itself sits in the Tualatin Valley, which is part of the larger Willamette Valley region. The landscape is generally mild in terms of elevation changes, with most of the area ranging from about 150 to 500 feet above sea level. To the west of Tigard, the terrain gradually rises towards the Coast Range, with foothills becoming more prominent. To the east, the land remains relatively flat as it approaches the Willamette River. The southern portion of Tigard and the surrounding areas feature more pronounced hills and small buttes, creating a slightly more varied topography.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are a few factors to consider. Ideal locations would have ample flat or gently sloping land, good sun exposure, and minimal shading from trees or buildings. The agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Tigard, particularly in the Sherwood and Wilsonville areas, could potentially be suitable for solar PV development. These areas often feature large, open fields with relatively flat terrain, which is ideal for solar panel installation. Another potential area for solar PV development might be found in the more industrial zones to the north and northeast of Tigard, such as parts of Beaverton or Tualatin. These areas often have large, flat rooftops or open spaces that could accommodate solar arrays. It's important to note, however, that the Pacific Northwest, including the Tigard area, receives less direct sunlight compared to other parts of the United States due to its northern latitude and frequent cloud cover. This factor may impact the overall efficiency and economic viability of large-scale solar PV projects in the region. Additionally, any solar development would need to comply with local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and consider the impact on local ecosystems and communities.

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.