Solar PV Analysis of West Linn, United States
The location at West Linn, Oregon, in the United States is fairly suitable for generating solar power year-round. However, there are significant differences in production across seasons due to its position in the Northern Temperate Zone.
During summer, you can expect a high output of about 7.15 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels. This makes it an ideal time for energy generation with longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
Spring also has a good output level with around 5.52 kWh/day per kW of installed solar panels which is less than summer but still quite efficient.
However, autumn and winter see a drop in production due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight. In autumn, it drops down to about 2.96 kWh/day per kW while in winter it's as low as 1.42 kWh/day per kW.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 37 degrees towards the South will maximize total yearly production from your solar PV system since this orientation allows maximum exposure to sunlight throughout different times of the year.
As far as environmental or weather factors that could impede solar production at this location go; Oregon experiences considerable rainfall throughout much of the year which might reduce efficiency during those periods due to cloud cover blocking direct sunlight onto the panels. Additionally, snowfall during winter months could cover up your panels thereby reducing their productivity significantly unless cleared regularly.
To mitigate these issues and ensure greater energy production:
1) Install automated clearing systems or use non-stick coatings on your panels so snow doesn't accumulate on them.
2) Consider installing tracking systems that move your panel's angle throughout the day following sun’s path hence improving efficiency even during cloudy days by capturing more diffuse light.
3) Regular maintenance checks should be done especially before heavy rainfall season begins so any needed repairs or cleanings can be done to prevent damage or efficiency loss.
4) Installing a battery storage system could help store excess energy produced during high production periods (summer and spring) for use during low production times (autumn and winter).
In summary, while West Linn, Oregon is not the most ideal location for solar power generation due to its varying seasonal output and weather conditions, it's still quite viable with proper installation techniques and maintenance.
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 3040 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 West Linn
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.3642, Longitude: -122.6443 (West Linn, 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 37° South in West Linn, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in West Linn, United States (Lat/Long 45.3642, -122.6443) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 West Linn, 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 West Linn, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 60° South in Winter | 38° 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 West Linn, 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 West Linn, 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 West Linn, United States
West Linn is located in the northwestern part of Oregon, United States. The topography around West Linn is characterized by rolling hills, valleys and plateaus with the Willamette River flowing through it. It has a mix of residential areas, commercial zones, and natural parks.
The region experiences a moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Rainfall is significant in most months of the year, with a short dry season in summer which might pose some challenges for solar PV installations.
For large-scale solar PV installations nearby West Linn, flat or gently sloping areas would be ideal to maximize sun exposure. These could include:
1) Farmland: Areas such as Stafford Hamlet to the south or Tualatin Valley to the west have expanses of agricultural land that could potentially host large-scale solar farms.
2) Commercial rooftops: Large commercial buildings or warehouses often have expansive flat roofs that are well-suited for installing rooftop solar panels.
3) Brownfield sites: Unused industrial lands or brownfield sites can also be repurposed into solar farms.
4) Public facilities: Local government-owned properties like schools or municipal buildings may offer suitable locations for smaller scale installations.
However, any potential site would need an assessment considering factors like local zoning laws, environmental impacts (like shading from trees), proximity to power grids for connection and distribution etc., before installation.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 4th of July 2024
Last Updated: Thursday 4th of July 2024
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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.
