Winona, Minnesota, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a varied solar energy potential throughout the year. The city's geographical position at latitude 44.05 and longitude -91.6393 presents both opportunities and challenges for solar PV energy generation.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy production in Winona fluctuates significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.61 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.09 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.28 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.26 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy potential in this location. Late spring through early fall emerges as the ideal time for solar energy generation in Winona.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Winona, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 38 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the city's latitude and the Earth's orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can affect solar production in Winona:

1. Snowfall: Winona experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can cover panels and reduce efficiency. Regular snow removal and the use of steeper panel angles can help mitigate this issue.
2. Cloud cover: The region sees frequent cloudy days, particularly in late fall and winter, impacting solar production. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy capture even in low-light conditions.
3. Temperature extremes: Very cold winters and hot summers can affect panel efficiency. Choosing temperature-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation can help maintain optimal performance.

To address these challenges, consider using snow-shedding panel designs, implementing a regular maintenance schedule, and selecting panels with high low-light performance. Additionally, a ground-mounted system with adjustable tilt angles could allow for seasonal optimization, particularly beneficial during the winter months.

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 Winona

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.05, Longitude: -91.6393 (Winona, 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 38° South in Winona, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Winona, United States (Lat/Long 44.05, -91.6393) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Winona, 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 Winona, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
28° South in Summer	48° South in Autumn	58° South in Winter	37° 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 Winona, 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 Winona, 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 Winona, United States

The topography around Winona, United States, located at latitude 44.05 and longitude -91.6393, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape. Situated along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, Winona is nestled within the Driftless Area, a region that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. This unique geological history has resulted in a striking combination of features that set it apart from the surrounding Midwest. The city of Winona itself sits on a relatively flat plain adjacent to the Mississippi River. However, as one moves away from the river, the terrain becomes increasingly varied and dramatic. To the east and west of the city, steep bluffs rise abruptly from the river valley, creating a series of scenic overlooks and challenging hiking trails. These bluffs, some reaching heights of 500 feet or more above the river, are composed of layers of limestone and sandstone, often capped with a layer of more resistant rock that has protected them from erosion over time.

Surrounding Landscape

Beyond the bluffs, the landscape transitions into a mix of rolling hills, small valleys, and plateaus. This undulating terrain is interspersed with numerous streams and creeks that have carved their way through the rock over millennia, creating a network of small watersheds that eventually drain into the Mississippi River. The area also features scattered woodlands, particularly on the steeper slopes and in protected valleys, while much of the gentler terrain has been converted to agricultural use.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from surrounding terrain or vegetation. Given the topography around Winona, the most suitable areas for solar PV would likely be found on the plateaus and gentler slopes of the surrounding hills, rather than in the steep-sided river valley or on the faces of the bluffs. Specifically, areas to the south and west of Winona, where the terrain begins to level out into more expansive agricultural lands, could offer promising sites for solar installations. These areas typically have fewer trees and less dramatic elevation changes, which would minimize shading issues and simplify construction. Additionally, existing farmland that is less productive or fallow could be repurposed for solar energy production, providing landowners with an alternative source of income. It's important to note that while the region's varied topography may present some challenges for large-scale solar development, it also offers opportunities for smaller, distributed solar installations that can take advantage of south-facing slopes and elevated areas with good sun exposure. Any solar project in the area would need to carefully consider local zoning regulations, environmental impacts, and the preservation of the region's scenic beauty, which is a significant asset for tourism and quality of life in the Winona area.

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.