Solar PV Analysis of Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Jackson, Mississippi, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at 32.3204° N, 90.2465° W provides ample sunlight for solar power production, though with notable seasonal variations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Jackson peaks during the summer months, with an impressive average of 6.49 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.74 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.67 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.83 kWh/day per kW installed.
The most ideal times for solar generation in Jackson are from late spring through early fall, typically spanning from May to September. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to maximized solar energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed-panel installations in Jackson, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 28 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental Considerations
While Jackson's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Humidity: Jackson's subtropical climate can lead to high humidity levels, potentially affecting panel efficiency. Regular cleaning can help mitigate this issue.
- Storms: The region is prone to thunderstorms and occasional severe weather, which may temporarily reduce solar output. Robust mounting systems and high-quality panels can help withstand these conditions.
To maximize solar production in Jackson, consider implementing these preventative measures:
- Use anti-reflective coatings on panels to reduce energy loss due to reflection.
- Install a monitoring system to quickly identify and address any performance issues.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust, pollen, and other debris that may accumulate on panels.
Overall, Jackson's location provides a solid foundation for solar PV energy generation, with ample sunlight throughout most of the year. While there are some environmental challenges, they can be effectively managed with proper planning and maintenance.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Jackson, Mississippi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.3204, Longitude: -90.2465 (Jackson, Mississippi, 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 28° South in Jackson, Mississippi, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jackson, Mississippi, United States (Lat/Long 32.3204, -90.2465) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Jackson, Mississippi, 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 Jackson, Mississippi, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16° South in Summer | 37° South in Autumn | 48° South in Winter | 25° 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 Jackson, Mississippi, 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 Jackson, Mississippi, 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 Jackson, Mississippi, United States
The topography around Jackson, Mississippi, is characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains. The city itself sits in the Jackson Prairie region, which is part of the larger Gulf Coastal Plain. This area features a mix of low-lying areas and subtle elevations, with the Pearl River running through the eastern part of the city.
To the east of Jackson, the land gradually rises into the North Central Hills region, where the terrain becomes more varied with steeper slopes and deeper valleys. To the west, the landscape transitions into the loess bluffs, which are steep, erosion-prone hills composed of wind-deposited silt.
The immediate surroundings of Jackson are relatively flat, with occasional gentle slopes and small hills. This type of terrain is generally favorable for various types of development, including urban expansion and agricultural use.
Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas near Jackson would be found in the flatter, open spaces surrounding the city. Ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
- Large, unobstructed areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Relatively flat terrain to reduce installation costs and maximize sun exposure
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for easier grid connection
- Areas with lower agricultural value or those already zoned for industrial use
The rural areas to the south and southwest of Jackson, extending towards Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs, could offer suitable locations for solar PV installations. These areas have more open, flat land that could accommodate large arrays of solar panels.
Additionally, some of the cleared agricultural lands to the northwest of Jackson, in the direction of Yazoo City, might also be appropriate for solar development. These areas benefit from the generally flat terrain of the Mississippi Delta region.
It's important to note that while the topography around Jackson is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar installations.
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: Saturday 24th of August 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.
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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.
