Waimea, Hawaii, located at 20.0232° N, 155.6729° W, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this location benefits from consistent sunlight and experiences seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Waimea varies across the seasons, with the highest output occurring during summer months. The average daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity for each season is as follows:

• Summer: 7.55 kWh/day
• Spring: 6.89 kWh/day
• Autumn: 6.01 kWh/day
• Winter: 4.79 kWh/day

These figures indicate that while there is some seasonal variation, Waimea maintains relatively high solar energy potential throughout the year. The most productive months for solar generation typically span from late spring through early autumn, with peak performance during the summer months.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Waimea, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 17 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Waimea's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The area can experience periods of increased cloud cover and rainfall, particularly during the wet season, which may temporarily reduce solar output. Additionally, the volcanic nature of Hawaii's landscape means that occasional volcanic haze (vog) could impact solar efficiency.

To mitigate these factors, solar installations in Waimea should incorporate robust weatherproofing measures to protect against moisture and corrosion. Regular cleaning of panels is also recommended to remove any accumulated volcanic dust or other particulates that may reduce panel efficiency. Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant solar equipment designed for tropical climates can help ensure optimal performance and longevity of the solar energy system in this location.

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 Waimea

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 20.0232, Longitude: -155.6729 (Waimea, 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 17° South in Waimea, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Waimea, United States (Lat/Long 20.0232, -155.6729) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° 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 Waimea, 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 Waimea, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
4° South in Summer	25° South in Autumn	35° South in Winter	13° 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 Waimea, 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 Waimea, 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 Waimea, United States

The topography around Waimea, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is characterized by diverse and dramatic landscapes. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,670 feet above sea level, Waimea is nestled in the saddle between two massive volcanoes: Mauna Kea to the east and Kohala to the northwest. The town itself sits on a high plateau known as the Waimea Plains, which is surrounded by rolling hills and grassy pastures. To the north of Waimea, the land slopes gently towards the Kohala Coast, with the terrain becoming increasingly arid as it approaches the shoreline. The western side features the rugged and dry landscapes of the Kohala Mountain Range, with deep valleys and steep cliffs carved by ancient lava flows and erosion. Heading east from Waimea, the landscape gradually rises towards the imposing Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii. This area is characterized by gentle slopes and open grasslands, which eventually give way to the mountain's steeper, rocky terrain at higher elevations. To the south, the land descends into the Hamakua Coast, featuring lush, tropical valleys and numerous streams cutting through the verdant landscape. This area receives significant rainfall, resulting in a stark contrast to the drier regions to the north and west.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Waimea for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play, including topography, climate, and land availability. The most suitable areas for such projects would likely be: The northern slopes leading towards the Kohala Coast offer promising potential for solar PV installations. This area receives abundant sunshine and has relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, which is ideal for the placement of solar panels. The arid climate also means less cloud cover and rainfall, maximizing solar energy potential. The Waimea Plains themselves, particularly to the west and northwest of the town, could be suitable for solar projects. These open, grassy areas receive good sun exposure and have minimal shading from mountains or vegetation. However, care would need to be taken to balance agricultural use with energy production. The lower western slopes of Mauna Kea, east of Waimea, might also be considered for solar PV installations. While the terrain becomes steeper at higher elevations, the lower areas offer a combination of good sun exposure and relatively gentle slopes. It's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, cultural significance of the land, and potential conflicts with agricultural or residential use. Additionally, the specific microclimate of chosen sites would need to be thoroughly assessed, as local weather patterns can significantly affect solar energy production.

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.