Decatur, Alabama, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 34.5891, -86.9909, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons, with peak performance during the summer months.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Decatur is most efficient during the summer, with an average daily output of 6.21 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.87 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production at 4.43 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.76 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in this region. However, the relatively high output during spring and autumn suggests that solar PV systems can still provide significant energy contributions for most of the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Decatur, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing South. This angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions to optimize energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

While Decatur's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar PV performance:

• Humidity: The region's subtropical climate can lead to high humidity levels, which may slightly reduce panel efficiency and increase the risk of moisture-related issues.
• Thunderstorms: Decatur experiences frequent thunderstorms, especially during summer months, which can temporarily reduce solar output.

To mitigate these factors, installers should consider using high-quality, weather-resistant panels and ensure proper sealing and ventilation of electrical components. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help maintain optimal performance in humid conditions.

Despite these challenges, Decatur's location remains suitable for solar PV installations, with ample sunlight throughout most of the year to support consistent energy production.

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 Decatur, Alabama

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.5891, Longitude: -86.9909 (Decatur, Alabama, 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 Decatur, Alabama, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Decatur, Alabama, United States (Lat/Long 34.5891, -86.9909) 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 Decatur, Alabama, 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 Decatur, Alabama, 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	50° 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 Decatur, Alabama, 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 Decatur, Alabama, 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 Decatur, Alabama, United States

The topography around Decatur, Alabama, located at approximately 34.5891°N and 86.9909°W, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, flat plains, and river valleys. This area is part of the Tennessee Valley region, which features a diverse landscape shaped by the Tennessee River and its tributaries. Decatur itself sits on the southern bank of the Tennessee River, with the land gradually rising as you move away from the water. The immediate surroundings of the city are relatively flat, with some low hills and shallow valleys. As you move further out, the terrain becomes more varied, with more pronounced hills and ridges, especially to the south and east of the city. The area around Decatur is part of the Cumberland Plateau's western edge, where the plateau transitions into the flatter Tennessee Valley. This transition creates a landscape of gentle slopes and plateaus, interspersed with streams and small rivers that have carved shallow valleys over time.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Decatur, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would generally be: Flat or gently sloping land to the south and west of Decatur would be ideal for solar PV installations. These areas receive ample sunlight throughout the day and have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. Agricultural land that is less productive or fallow could be repurposed for solar farms. The region has numerous large, open fields that could accommodate extensive solar arrays without significant land clearing or preparation. Areas near existing power infrastructure, such as substations or transmission lines, would be advantageous for connecting new solar installations to the grid. This could reduce the costs associated with transmitting the generated electricity. Brownfield sites or former industrial areas around Decatur could be excellent locations for solar PV projects. These areas are often already cleared, relatively flat, and may have existing infrastructure that could be repurposed. It's important to note that while the topography around Decatur is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.