Solar PV Analysis of Tukwila, United States
Tukwila, United States, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, has varying levels of solar energy production potential throughout the year. In simple terms, this means that the amount of energy you can get from solar panels changes with the seasons.
In summer, you can expect to generate around 6.91 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This is a decent amount and makes summer an ideal time for generating solar energy at this location.
In autumn and winter, however, the numbers drop significantly to 2.54 kWh/day and 1.33 kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar power. This means that during these seasons your panels won't produce as much electricity due to less sunlight.
Spring sees an improvement with a potential generation of about 5.21 kWh/day per kW - pretty good but not as high as in summer.
To make sure you're getting the most out of your panels all year round in Tukwila, it's recommended that they're tilted at an angle of 39 degrees facing southward for maximum exposure to sunlight throughout different times in a year.
Now let's consider any local factors which might affect how much energy your panels can produce:
Given Tukwila's location in Washington state known for its cloudy weather and frequent rainfalls especially during fall and winter months could limit sunlight reaching your panels thus reducing their output during these times.
Also considering topography; if there are hills or tall buildings nearby casting shadows on your installation site this could also limit sun exposure leading to reduced output from your panels too.
So what can be done about these challenges?
Well firstly when installing your system ensure it is positioned where it will have clear access to sunlight - away from any obstructions like hills or buildings if possible. Secondly consider using more efficient panel types or technologies designed specifically for low-light conditions to help maximize energy production even during less sunny periods.
Finally, regular maintenance of your panels including cleaning them regularly to remove any dirt or debris can also help ensure they're working at their best potential year-round.
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 Tukwila
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.4902, Longitude: -122.3004 (Tukwila, 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 Tukwila, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tukwila, United States (Lat/Long 47.4902, -122.3004) 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 Tukwila, 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 Tukwila, 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 | 40° 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 Tukwila, 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 Tukwila, 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 Tukwila, United States
Tukwila, located in the state of Washington, United States, lies in a valley along the Duwamish River with surrounding areas featuring a mix of flat terrain and hilly landscapes. The region is part of the Puget Sound lowlands and is characterized by its forested hillsides and wetland areas.
However, Tukwila's suitability for large-scale solar PV installations might be limited due to its climate. The Pacific Northwest region where Tukwila is located typically experiences less annual sunshine compared to other parts of the United States like California or Arizona. This could reduce the efficiency and output of solar panels.
Nonetheless, if one were to set up solar PV installations around Tukkila, it would be most suitable on relatively flat land that receives good sun exposure throughout the year. Areas away from dense forests or tall buildings would also be beneficial as they can block sunlight. Potential locations could include larger open spaces such as industrial parks or even rooftops on commercial buildings.
Remember that factors like local regulations regarding renewable energy installations, grid connectivity options (for feeding excess power back into the grid), cost-effectiveness based on regional electricity prices should also be considered when deciding a location for large-scale solar PV projects.
It's always recommended to conduct a detailed site analysis with professionals before making any decisions about installing large-scale solar PV systems.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 12th of January 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.
