Solar PV Analysis of Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States
Jacksonville, North Carolina, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at 34.7419° N latitude and -77.4576° W longitude provides ample sunlight for photovoltaic (PV) systems, though with notable seasonal variations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Jacksonville peaks during the summer months, with an impressive average daily output of 6.61 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.25 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.52 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.95 kWh/day per kW installed.
The most ideal times for solar generation in Jacksonville are from late spring through early fall, typically spanning from April to October. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed-panel installations in Jacksonville, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's path across the sky.
Environmental Considerations
While Jacksonville's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Hurricane risk: Jacksonville's coastal location makes it vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, which could potentially damage solar installations.
- High humidity: The area's humid subtropical climate can lead to increased dust and pollen accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
To mitigate these risks, solar installations in Jacksonville should incorporate robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help combat efficiency loss due to dust and pollen buildup. Additionally, investing in high-quality, weather-resistant solar equipment can ensure better performance and longevity in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
Overall, despite some seasonal variations and environmental considerations, Jacksonville's location provides a favorable setting for solar PV energy generation throughout the year.
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 Jacksonville, North Carolina
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.7419, Longitude: -77.4576 (Jacksonville, North Carolina, 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 Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States (Lat/Long 34.7419, -77.4576) 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 Jacksonville, North Carolina, 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 Jacksonville, North Carolina, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 40° 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 Jacksonville, North Carolina, 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 Jacksonville, North Carolina, 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 Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States
The topography around Jacksonville, United States (located at 34.7419°N, 77.4576°W) is characterized by relatively flat coastal plains. This area is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which extends along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The landscape is generally low-lying, with minimal elevation changes and gentle slopes.
Jacksonville itself sits near the mouth of the New River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding area features a mix of wetlands, forests, and agricultural land. The terrain is predominantly flat, with some slight undulations and occasional small hills. The highest elevations in the vicinity are typically no more than a few dozen feet above sea level.
Due to its coastal location, the area around Jacksonville includes numerous creeks, streams, and marshes. These water features contribute to the region's rich biodiversity but also influence the local topography by creating small depressions and floodplains.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors should be considered:
1. Open, flat land: The relatively flat terrain in the region is generally favorable for solar installations. Areas with minimal slope and few obstructions would be ideal.
2. Agricultural land: Some of the cleared agricultural land in the surrounding rural areas could potentially be suitable for solar farms, provided it's not prime agricultural land or ecologically sensitive.
3. Avoid wetlands and flood-prone areas: The numerous wetlands and low-lying areas near water bodies should be avoided due to potential flooding risks and environmental concerns.
4. Proximity to power infrastructure: Areas closer to existing power transmission lines and substations would be more cost-effective for connecting large-scale solar installations to the grid.
5. Sunlight exposure: While the entire region receives generally good sunlight, areas with minimal shading from trees or structures would be preferable.
Considering these factors, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be found in the rural outskirts of Jacksonville, away from the immediate coastal areas and wetlands. Specific locations would require detailed site assessments, but generally, the inland areas to the northwest, west, and southwest of Jacksonville might offer suitable terrain and conditions for solar development, balancing the need for open space with proximity to existing infrastructure.
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: Thursday 5th of September 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.
