Solar PV Analysis of Clarksville, Ohio, United States
Clarksville, Ohio, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (39.4038, -83.958) contribute to varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Clarksville fluctuates significantly between seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.23 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.54 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.73 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.21 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in this region. Long summer days and higher sun angles contribute to peak performance during June, July, and August. Conversely, shorter days and lower sun angles in winter result in reduced output from December through February.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Clarksville, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 34 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Clarksville's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact efficiency:
- Snow accumulation in winter months can temporarily reduce panel output
- Cloudy days, particularly common in autumn and winter, may decrease overall productivity
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a slightly steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and use high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and panel cleaning, can help maintain optimal performance throughout the year.
In conclusion, while Clarksville experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, proper panel installation and maintenance can help maximize the location's solar potential, making it a viable option for renewable energy generation.
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 Clarksville, Ohio
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.4038, Longitude: -83.958 (Clarksville, Ohio, 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 34° South in Clarksville, Ohio, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Clarksville, Ohio, United States (Lat/Long 39.4038, -83.958) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Clarksville, Ohio, 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 Clarksville, Ohio, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° 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 Clarksville, Ohio, 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 Clarksville, Ohio, 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 Clarksville, Ohio, United States
The topography around Clarksville, United States, located at latitude 39.4038 and longitude -83.958, is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat plains. This area is part of the broader Midwest region, specifically in southwestern Ohio. The landscape is a mix of agricultural fields, scattered woodlands, and small streams that wind through the countryside.
The terrain in this region is generally not very dramatic, with modest elevation changes. The hills are typically low and rounded, a result of glacial activity during the last ice age. These features create a pleasant, pastoral scenery that is common in this part of Ohio. The area also includes some river valleys, with the Little Miami River being a notable water feature not far from Clarksville.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are several factors to consider. The ideal locations would be:
- Open farmland: The numerous agricultural fields in the region provide large, flat areas with minimal shading, which are excellent for solar panel placement.
- South-facing slopes: While the hills are generally gentle, any south-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day.
- Areas away from forests: Locations that are not immediately adjacent to wooded areas would be preferable to avoid shading issues.
- Proximity to existing infrastructure: Sites near power lines and substations would be more cost-effective for connecting to the grid.
The region around Clarksville likely has many suitable locations for solar PV installations. The combination of open spaces, relatively flat terrain, and moderate latitude makes it a potentially good area for solar energy development. However, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations, taking into account factors such as local zoning laws, land ownership, and environmental considerations.
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: Sunday 8th of September 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.
