Wheeling, Illinois, United States is a location with moderate potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this site experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panels in Wheeling perform best during summer months, generating approximately 6.21kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.15kWh/day per installed kW. Autumn yields significantly less at 3.11kWh/day, while winter performance drops dramatically to just 1.74kWh/day per installed kW.

This pronounced seasonal variation means that a solar PV system in Wheeling will produce more than three times the electricity in summer compared to winter months. The substantial difference highlights the importance of proper system sizing to accommodate year-round energy needs.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal angle to maximize year-round solar production is 36 degrees tilted toward the South. This carefully calculated angle balances seasonal solar elevation changes to optimize annual energy harvest, accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit and the specific latitude of Wheeling.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could impact solar production in Wheeling. The area experiences snowy winters, which can temporarily cover panels and reduce output during the already low-producing winter months. Installing panels at the recommended 36-degree tilt helps facilitate snow shedding while also optimizing for energy collection.

Wheeling's location in the Chicago metropolitan area means some air pollution and occasional haze may reduce solar irradiance. Regular panel cleaning can mitigate this impact. Additionally, the region experiences thunderstorms and occasional severe weather, so robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds are recommended.

Tree coverage and potential shading from nearby structures should be carefully evaluated before installation, as the lower sun angle during fall and winter makes systems particularly vulnerable to shading issues during these already lower-producing seasons.

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 Wheeling

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.1358, Longitude: -87.9427 (Wheeling, 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 36° South in Wheeling, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wheeling, United States (Lat/Long 42.1358, -87.9427) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Wheeling, 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 Wheeling, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
26° South in Summer	46° South in Autumn	56° South in Winter	35° 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 Wheeling, 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 Wheeling, 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 Wheeling, United States

The terrain around Wheeling, Illinois, located at approximately 42.1358°N, 87.9427°W, is characterized by gently rolling plains typical of northeastern Illinois. Wheeling sits within the Chicago Plain, a relatively flat landscape formed by glacial activity during the last ice age. The topography features subtle variations in elevation, with most of the area ranging between 640 and 680 feet above sea level. Wheeling itself is situated near the Des Plaines River, which has carved a shallow valley through the otherwise level landscape. This river valley creates some of the few notable topographical variations in the immediate vicinity. The area also contains several small creeks and drainage ways that have minimally incised the terrain.

Surrounding Landscape Features

To the east of Wheeling, the land gradually slopes toward Lake Michigan, about 10 miles away. This eastern region maintains the same generally flat character but includes some slightly lower elevations as it approaches the lake plain. To the west and northwest, the terrain becomes marginally more undulating as it transitions toward the Fox River Valley. The Des Plaines River corridor, running north-south near Wheeling, represents one of the few significant natural breaks in the otherwise uniform landscape. This river valley, though modest in depth compared to more dramatic river valleys elsewhere, does create some local variation in the terrain.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar PV installations near Wheeling, several factors related to topography must be considered. The most suitable areas would be: The flat agricultural lands to the west and northwest of Wheeling offer favorable conditions for solar development. These areas feature minimal slope, good southern exposure, and fewer trees or tall structures that might cast shadows. The relatively open nature of these spaces would allow for efficient arrangement of solar arrays. Former industrial or commercial properties within the broader Chicago metropolitan area could also be repurposed for solar installations. These brownfield sites often feature level ground that would require minimal preparation for solar deployment. The modest hills to the northwest, while slightly more undulating than the immediate Wheeling area, still present viable options for solar development, particularly on south-facing slopes that receive optimal sunlight exposure throughout the year. Areas to avoid would include the immediate floodplain of the Des Plaines River and associated wetlands, which may be subject to periodic flooding and have environmental protections in place. Additionally, the more densely developed residential and commercial areas within Wheeling itself would present challenges for large-scale installations due to space constraints and potential shading from buildings and trees. The overall flat nature of the region around Wheeling generally presents favorable conditions for solar PV development, with minimal need for extensive grading or specialized mounting systems to accommodate varied terrain. The primary topographical consideration would be ensuring proper drainage on these level sites rather than addressing steep slopes or dramatically varying elevations.

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.