Solar PV Analysis of Vernon, United States
Vernon, Alabama, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at latitude 33.7618 and longitude -88.0979, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons, with notable fluctuations in energy output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.20 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.91 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decline in production, yielding 4.60 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.81 kWh/day, which is expected due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles.
The location's solar potential is particularly strong from late spring through early fall, making it an excellent time for energy generation. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Vernon, 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, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Vernon's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Humidity: The region's subtropical climate can lead to high humidity levels, potentially causing condensation on panels.
- Storms: Occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, may pose risks to solar installations.
To mitigate these challenges, it's advisable to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help combat humidity-related issues. Additionally, ensuring proper grounding and surge protection can safeguard the system against lightning strikes during storms.
Overall, Vernon, Alabama, presents a good location for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential during warmer months and adequate production year-round when properly optimized.
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 Vernon
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.7618, Longitude: -88.0979 (Vernon, 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 Vernon, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vernon, United States (Lat/Long 33.7618, -88.0979) 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 Vernon, 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 Vernon, 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 | 49° South in Winter | 26° 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 Vernon, 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 Vernon, 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 Vernon, United States
The topography around Vernon, United States (located at 33.7618 latitude, -88.0979 longitude) is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the southeastern United States. This area is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain region, which features a mix of forested areas and open fields. The landscape is generally mild in terms of elevation changes, with no dramatic mountains or deep canyons.
The terrain around Vernon consists of low hills interspersed with small streams and creeks that have carved shallow valleys over time. The elevation in this area typically ranges from about 200 to 400 feet above sea level, with gradual slopes rather than steep inclines. The soil is often a mix of clay and sand, which is common in this part of Alabama.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found in open, relatively flat spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Ideal locations would include:
- Cleared agricultural land or pastures that are no longer in active use
- Gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest, which would receive optimal sunlight
- Areas with minimal tree cover or natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels
- Locations near existing power infrastructure to facilitate grid connection
It's important to note that while the rolling terrain around Vernon may present some challenges for very large solar installations, it's not prohibitively difficult. Many areas in the vicinity could be suitable for solar PV projects with proper site preparation and panel arrangement to maximize sun exposure.
When considering specific locations for solar PV development, factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and proximity to residential areas would also need to be taken into account. Additionally, a detailed geological survey would be necessary to ensure the chosen site has stable ground conditions suitable for supporting solar panel structures.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 3rd of August 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.
