Solar PV Potential in Waianae, Hawaii

Waianae, Hawaii, located at latitude 21.4337° and longitude -158.1767°, offers a promising location for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight patterns typical of the tropics, where seasonal changes are more defined by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic shifts in daylight duration. The solar energy production potential varies across the meteorological seasons, with the highest output occurring during summer months at 7.92 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 7.21 kWh/day, while autumn produces a moderate 6.16 kWh/day. Winter represents the lowest production period with 4.85 kWh/day, though this is still relatively high compared to many non-tropical locations.

Seasonal Production Patterns

The data reveals that Waianae experiences its peak solar production potential during the summer months, making this an ideal time for energy generation. The spring months also demonstrate strong production capabilities. While autumn and winter show reduced output, the year-round production remains relatively consistent compared to locations at higher latitudes, making Waianae a favorable location for solar PV installation. For fixed panel installations in Waianae, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 18 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture throughout the year based on the location's position relative to the sun's path.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors in Waianae could potentially impact solar production:

• Salt air exposure: Waianae's coastal location means solar installations face exposure to salt spray, which can corrode components over time. Using marine-grade materials and protective coatings can significantly extend system lifespan.
• Volcanic vog (volcanic smog): Occasionally, Hawaii experiences vog from volcanic activity, which can temporarily reduce solar irradiance. While not constant, this phenomenon should be considered when estimating annual production.
• Trade wind patterns: The strong and consistent trade winds in Hawaii can create dust accumulation on panels and potentially cause physical stress on mounting systems. Wind-resistant mounting and regular cleaning maintenance can address these concerns.

Preventative measures include using corrosion-resistant hardware, implementing more frequent maintenance schedules than mainland installations would require, and ensuring robust mounting systems designed to withstand occasional tropical storms. Additionally, incorporating microinverters or power optimizers can help minimize production losses when portions of an array experience shading or soiling. Despite these considerations, Waianae's consistent solar resource throughout the year makes it an excellent candidate for solar PV installations, with proper system design accounting for the local environmental conditions.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

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 Waianae

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 21.4337, Longitude: -158.1767 (Waianae, 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 18° South in Waianae, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Waianae, United States (Lat/Long 21.4337, -158.1767) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 18° 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 Waianae, 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 Waianae, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 18° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
5° South in Summer	27° South in Autumn	37° South in Winter	14° 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 Waianae, 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 Waianae, 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 Waianae, United States

The topography around Waianae, located on the western coast of Oahu in Hawaii, is characterized by dramatic contrasts between mountains and coastline. Waianae sits at the foot of the Waianae Mountain Range, which forms a stunning backdrop to this coastal community. This mountain range runs north-south along the western side of Oahu, with several peaks exceeding 4,000 feet in elevation, including Mount Kaala, the highest point on the island at approximately 4,025 feet. The terrain near Waianae features steep slopes that rise quickly from the relatively narrow coastal plain. These western slopes receive significantly less rainfall than the eastern (windward) side of the mountains, resulting in a drier, more arid landscape. The mountains create a rain shadow effect, blocking much of the moisture carried by the prevailing northeast trade winds. This results in a landscape that transitions from tropical near the coast to more arid conditions as elevation increases.

Coastal Areas

The coastline of Waianae features a mix of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and coral reef systems offshore. The coastal plain is relatively narrow compared to other parts of Oahu, quickly giving way to increasingly steep terrain moving inland. This narrow strip of flatter land between the ocean and the mountains is where most development is concentrated.

Valleys and Gulches

Several valleys and gulches cut through the Waianae Mountains, created by millennia of water erosion during wetter periods. These include Makaha Valley, Waianae Valley, and Lualualei Valley, which provide natural corridors into the mountain range. These valleys typically have gentler slopes compared to the surrounding mountains and often contain intermittent streams that flow during rainy periods.

Potential for Solar PV Development

The areas most suited to large-scale solar PV development near Waianae would primarily be the valley floors and lower slopes, particularly in Lualualei Valley. This valley contains significant flat to gently sloping land that receives abundant sunshine due to the rain shadow effect of the mountains. The valley floor has historically been used for agricultural purposes and military installations, with some areas potentially convertible to solar energy production. The coastal plain also offers potential sites, though this area faces greater competition from residential, commercial, and recreational land uses. Additionally, some of the lower mountain slopes with southern or western exposure could be suitable for solar installations, though steeper terrain would increase construction costs and environmental impacts. Several factors make the Waianae area particularly attractive for solar development: First, the western side of Oahu receives significantly more direct sunlight than the eastern side due to the rain shadow effect. The clear skies and minimal cloud cover create ideal conditions for solar energy capture. Second, the existing electrical infrastructure in the area, including transmission lines that connect to Oahu's power grid, reduces the need for extensive new infrastructure development. Third, some previously disturbed lands, including former agricultural areas and portions of military installations in Lualualei Valley, could be repurposed for solar development with minimal additional environmental impact. However, challenges include limited flat land availability, competing land uses, potential cultural significance of certain areas to Native Hawaiians, and the need to respect viewsheds in this scenically important region. Any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider these factors while working with local communities to ensure appropriate siting and design.

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.