Solar PV Analysis of Watford City, United States
Watford City, North Dakota, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed opportunity for solar PV energy generation. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar power generation.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy production in Watford City varies dramatically throughout the year. Summer months offer the highest potential, with an average of 6.81 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.46 kWh/day. However, autumn and winter see a substantial decrease in production, with 3.34 kWh/day and 1.85 kWh/day, respectively.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal period for solar energy production in Watford City is from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. Summer solstice, typically around June 21st, marks the peak of solar potential in this region.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Watford City, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 41 degrees facing south. This angle helps balance energy capture across seasons, particularly enhancing winter production when the sun's path is lower in the sky.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Watford City:
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall can cover panels, reducing efficiency
- Short winter days significantly limit production during colder months
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, using snow-shedding coatings on panels and implementing a regular cleaning schedule can help maintain production levels during winter months.
While Watford City's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper planning and installation techniques can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area. The substantial summer production can partially offset the reduced winter output, making solar a viable, though seasonally variable, energy option.
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 Watford City
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.8148, Longitude: -103.2511 (Watford City, 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 41° South in Watford City, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Watford City, United States (Lat/Long 47.8148, -103.2511) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Watford City, 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 Watford City, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31° South in Summer | 51° South in Autumn | 62° South in Winter | 40° 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 Watford City, 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 Watford City, 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 Watford City, United States
The topography around Watford City, North Dakota, is characterized by rolling hills and prairies typical of the Great Plains region. This area is part of the Missouri Plateau, which features a mix of flat to gently undulating terrain interspersed with more rugged badlands formations. The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity and erosion over millions of years, resulting in a diverse topography that includes broad valleys, steep buttes, and winding rivers.
The city itself sits at an elevation of about 2,100 feet above sea level. As you move away from Watford City, you'll encounter varying elevations, with some nearby hills reaching heights of 2,500 feet or more. The surrounding countryside is dotted with coulees (deep ravines) and draws (smaller valleys), which add texture to the otherwise relatively flat prairie landscape.
To the south and east of Watford City, the terrain becomes more rugged as it transitions into the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This area features dramatic rock formations, colorful striations in the hillsides, and deeply eroded canyons.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the most promising locations would be found on the flatter, more open prairie lands surrounding Watford City. Ideal sites would be gently sloping or flat areas with good southern exposure, minimal shading from nearby landforms, and easy access to existing infrastructure.
The areas to the north and west of Watford City, where the terrain tends to be less rugged, might offer the best opportunities for solar development. These regions typically have fewer steep slopes and more consistent, open spaces that could accommodate large arrays of solar panels. Additionally, the relatively high elevation of the Missouri Plateau means these areas receive ample sunlight throughout the year, making them potentially productive for solar energy generation.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to consider factors beyond just topography, such as proximity to transmission lines, local zoning regulations, and environmental impact assessments. The presence of oil and gas development in the region may also influence the availability of suitable land for solar installations.
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: Tuesday 27th 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.
