Somerset, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's solar potential varies significantly across seasons, with summer offering the most favorable conditions for solar PV production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Somerset, with an impressive output of 6.76 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.30 kWh/day. However, the colder months see a substantial drop in solar production, with autumn generating 3.25 kWh/day and winter producing only 2.28 kWh/day.

This seasonal variation indicates that Somerset experiences optimal solar conditions from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. Conversely, the shorter days and lower sun angles of late fall and winter significantly reduce solar output.

Panel Tilt Optimization

To maximize year-round solar production in Somerset, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun position.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Somerset's location in the Northern Temperate Zone presents some challenges for solar energy production. The most significant factor is the region's cold winters, which can impact solar panel efficiency and potentially lead to snow accumulation on panels. To mitigate these issues, consider the following measures:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off
• Use high-efficiency panels designed for colder climates
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall

Additionally, Somerset may experience occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and hail. To protect against potential damage, consider using impact-resistant solar panels and ensuring a robust mounting system.

While Somerset's solar potential has its limitations, particularly in winter, proper system design and maintenance can still yield satisfactory results. The strong performance during summer and spring can help offset the reduced output in colder months, making solar a viable option for this Wisconsin location.

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 Somerset, Wisconsin

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 45.1319, Longitude: -92.6814 (Somerset, Wisconsin, 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 39° South in Somerset, Wisconsin, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Somerset, Wisconsin, United States (Lat/Long 45.1319, -92.6814) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Somerset, Wisconsin, 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 Somerset, Wisconsin, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° 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	49° South in Autumn	59° 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 Somerset, Wisconsin, 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 Somerset, Wisconsin, 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 Somerset, Wisconsin, United States

The topography around Somerset, United States, located at latitude 45.1319 and longitude -92.6814, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, flat plains, and river valleys. This area, situated in western Wisconsin near the border with Minnesota, is part of the broader Upper Midwest region known for its diverse landscape shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. The terrain surrounding Somerset features a combination of agricultural land, forested areas, and water bodies. The St. Croix River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, flows nearby, creating scenic bluffs and valleys along its course. The land gradually rises as you move away from the river, transitioning into a mix of open fields and wooded areas.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open spaces with minimal shading from trees or other structures. These areas should also have good access to existing electrical infrastructure for easy grid connection. Based on the topography of the region, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be found in the agricultural lands surrounding Somerset. These areas often feature expansive, cleared fields that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. The gently rolling terrain in some of these locations may actually be beneficial, as slight south-facing slopes can optimize solar panel orientation for maximum energy production. It's important to note that while the immediate vicinity of rivers and heavily forested areas may not be ideal for large-scale solar installations due to potential shading and environmental concerns, the broader landscape offers numerous opportunities. The open plains and former agricultural lands that are common in this part of Wisconsin provide excellent potential sites for solar energy development. When selecting specific locations for solar PV projects, additional factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to transmission lines, and environmental impact assessments would need to be considered. However, the overall topography and land use patterns in the region surrounding Somerset suggest that there are likely to be many suitable areas for large-scale solar energy development within a reasonable distance of the town.

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.