Paris, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 39.6145, -87.709, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Paris, with an average daily output of 6.35 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.39 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decline in production, dropping to 3.68 kWh/day. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with output falling to just 2.14 kWh/day per kW installed.

This seasonal pattern indicates that solar energy systems in Paris will be most effective from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the significant drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during colder months.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed-panel installations in Paris, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 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 and Weather Considerations

While Paris, Illinois, is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact system performance:

• Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
• Occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, may pose risks to solar installations

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Paris should incorporate robust mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Additionally, panels should be installed at an angle that promotes snow shedding, and regular maintenance should include snow removal when necessary. Implementing these measures can help ensure more consistent energy production throughout the year.

In conclusion, while Paris, Illinois, may not be an ideal location for year-round solar energy production due to its seasonal variations, it still offers considerable potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, solar PV systems can be a valuable component of the local energy mix.

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 Paris, Illinois

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.6145, Longitude: -87.709 (Paris, Illinois, 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 34° South in Paris, Illinois, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Paris, Illinois, United States (Lat/Long 39.6145, -87.709) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Paris, Illinois, 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 Paris, Illinois, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
23° South in Summer	43° South in Autumn	54° South in Winter	32° 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 Paris, Illinois, 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 Paris, Illinois, 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 Paris, Illinois, United States

The topography around Paris, United States, located at latitude 39.6145 and longitude -87.709, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This area, situated in east-central Illinois, is part of the vast Interior Plains region that stretches across much of the central United States. The landscape is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys. The surrounding area was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a relatively uniform terrain with rich, fertile soils. The elevation in and around Paris ranges from approximately 600 to 700 feet above sea level, with minimal dramatic changes in elevation. This gentle topography is punctuated by small streams and creeks that meander through the landscape, creating subtle variations in the otherwise level ground.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

The areas surrounding Paris, Illinois, offer several favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The gently rolling terrain provides ample flat or nearly flat land, which is ideal for the placement of solar panels. These open spaces allow for efficient arrangement of solar arrays without the need for extensive land modification or grading. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV projects would likely be found in the agricultural lands surrounding Paris. These expansive, open fields provide unobstructed access to sunlight throughout the day, maximizing the potential for solar energy generation. The lack of significant natural obstacles, such as mountains or dense forests, further enhances the suitability of the region for solar development. Particularly promising locations might include areas to the north and west of Paris, where vast stretches of farmland offer ideal conditions for solar installations. These areas typically have good road access, which is crucial for the construction and maintenance of large-scale solar facilities. Additionally, the proximity to existing power infrastructure in and around Paris could facilitate easier grid connection for new solar projects. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, site-specific assessments would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations for solar PV installations. Factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to transmission lines, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in identifying the best areas for large-scale solar development in the region around Paris, Illinois.

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.