Shawnee, Kansas, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 39.0452, -94.7189, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Shawnee, with an impressive daily output of 6.74 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.13 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decline to 3.94 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.37 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that solar energy production in Shawnee is most effective from late spring through early fall. During this period, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar production in Shawnee, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 34-degree tilt angle facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Shawnee's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. The area experiences occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes, which can potentially damage solar installations. Additionally, snowfall in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.

To mitigate these risks, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install hail-resistant solar panels and protective covers
• Use snow-shedding panel designs or manual snow removal techniques
• Implement a robust mounting system to withstand high winds
• Regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance

Despite these challenges, Shawnee's location still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation, particularly during the warmer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a significant contribution to the area's renewable energy portfolio.

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 Shawnee, Kansas

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.0452, Longitude: -94.7189 (Shawnee, Kansas, 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 Shawnee, Kansas, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shawnee, Kansas, United States (Lat/Long 39.0452, -94.7189) 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 Shawnee, Kansas, 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 Shawnee, Kansas, 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 Shawnee, Kansas, 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 Shawnee, Kansas, 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 Shawnee, Kansas, United States

The area around Shawnee, Kansas, located at 39.0452°N and 94.7189°W, is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This region, situated in Johnson County, is part of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area and lies within the Central Lowlands physiographic province. The topography of Shawnee and its surrounding areas consists of low-lying plains interspersed with shallow valleys and modest elevations. The landscape is generally smooth, with gradual slopes and occasional small hills. The elevation in this area typically ranges from about 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level, with minimal dramatic changes in elevation. Several creeks and small rivers traverse the region, including Mill Creek and Turkey Creek, which have carved shallow valleys into the landscape over time. These waterways contribute to the subtle undulations in the terrain and provide natural drainage for the area.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain and relatively open spaces in the vicinity of Shawnee offer promising potential for solar energy development. Areas to the west and southwest of Shawnee, extending towards De Soto and Olathe, might be particularly well-suited for large-scale solar PV projects. These locations tend to have more expansive, open spaces with fewer urban developments, providing ample room for solar panel arrays. The slightly elevated areas on the outskirts of Shawnee could also be advantageous for solar installations. These higher grounds often receive more direct sunlight throughout the day and are less likely to be affected by shadows from nearby structures or vegetation. Agricultural lands in the surrounding rural areas, particularly those with south-facing slopes, could be ideal candidates for solar farms. These locations typically offer large, unobstructed spaces that can accommodate extensive solar panel setups. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV development, other factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and environmental considerations would need to be taken into account when planning any large-scale solar projects in the region.

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.