Solar PV Analysis of Versailles, United States
Versailles, Kentucky, which is located in the Northern Temperate Zone of the United States, can produce a varying amount of electricity from solar power throughout the year. During summer and spring, it's quite good for generating solar energy with an average output of 6.24 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 5.56 kWh/day in spring for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels.
However, during autumn and winter months, the generation drops significantly to 3.93 kWh/day in autumn and even lower at 2.24 kWh/day during winter due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight.
In terms of installation angle for fixed panels to get maximum energy throughout the year, they should be tilted towards south at an angle of about 33 degrees.
As far as local factors that could affect solar production are concerned; Versailles is known for its moderate precipitation levels all year round with slightly higher rainfall during springtime which could potentially reduce direct sunlight hitting your panels occasionally but not significantly enough to make a large impact on overall performance.
To maximize efficiency despite these conditions:
1) Regular maintenance including cleaning off debris or snowfall from your panel surfaces will ensure they're able to absorb as much sun as possible.
2) Strategically installing your panels where they won't be shaded by trees or buildings will also help increase their exposure to sunlight.
3) Using high-quality PV modules that perform well under different light conditions can also improve overall system performance.
Overall though, while there are seasonal variations and minor weather-related challenges associated with producing solar power in Versailles - it still remains a viable option especially considering peak production capacity achieved during summers when demand for electricity often soars due to increased air conditioning use amongst other things.
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 Versailles
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.0405, Longitude: -84.7293 (Versailles, 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 33° South in Versailles, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Versailles, United States (Lat/Long 38.0405, -84.7293) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Versailles, 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 Versailles, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Versailles, 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 Versailles, 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 Versailles, United States
Versailles, United States is located in the state of Kentucky. The topography around Versailles is characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains which are part of the Bluegrass region. There are also several water bodies in and around Versailles including streams and rivers.
As for solar PV installations, large scale projects require areas with a lot of direct sunlight, relatively flat terrain for easy installation and maintenance, as well as proximity to transmission lines to feed the electricity into the grid. Considering these factors, farmland or open fields would be ideal locations in this area due to their typical lack of shade obstruction and ample space.
However, it's important to note that while physically suitable, these areas may not be legally or economically feasible for such installations without proper zoning permissions or incentives from local governments. Environmental considerations should also be taken into account when planning such developments.
Lastly, weather conditions play an important role in determining solar potential because cloud cover can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. According to U.S Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Kentucky has moderate solar potential compared to other states like California or Arizona which have high solar potential due its sunny climate.
Therefore while there might be adequate physical conditions for large-scale PV systems near Versailles; legal permissions, economic feasibility studies along with detailed local weather data analysis should also be considered before making a final decision.
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: Friday 28th of June 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.
