Solar PV Analysis of Bellevue, Nebraska, United States
Bellevue, Nebraska, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. With coordinates of 41.1156° N, 95.9375° W, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.10 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.42 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop to 3.75 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.69 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Bellevue's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the substantial decrease in output during autumn and winter suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary for consistent year-round power.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Bellevue, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 36 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, balancing the sun's changing position throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Bellevue's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Nebraska experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the optimal angle helps with snow shedding.
- Severe weather: The region is prone to thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Robust mounting systems and hail-resistant panels are recommended.
To mitigate these factors, consider using snow-shedding panel designs, implementing regular cleaning schedules, and ensuring sturdy installation methods. Additionally, a battery storage system can help balance the seasonal variations in energy production, storing excess summer energy for use during less productive periods.
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 Bellevue, Nebraska
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.1156, Longitude: -95.9375 (Bellevue, Nebraska, 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 36° South in Bellevue, Nebraska, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bellevue, Nebraska, United States (Lat/Long 41.1156, -95.9375) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Bellevue, Nebraska, 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 Bellevue, Nebraska, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 34° 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 Bellevue, Nebraska, 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 Bellevue, Nebraska, 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 Bellevue, Nebraska, United States
The area around Bellevue, located in eastern Nebraska near the Iowa border, is characterized by gently rolling hills and river valleys. This region is part of the larger Dissected Till Plains, which were shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. The topography is not particularly dramatic, with modest elevation changes throughout the area.
The most prominent topographical feature near Bellevue is the Missouri River, which flows along the eastern edge of the city. The river has carved a wide, flat floodplain, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding hilly terrain. West of the river, the land gradually rises into a series of bluffs and ridges, offering scenic views of the river valley below.
Moving further west from Bellevue, the landscape transitions into a mix of agricultural fields and patches of woodland. The terrain becomes more undulating, with gentle slopes and shallow valleys created by smaller streams and creeks that feed into the Missouri River.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Bellevue, several factors come into play. The ideal areas would have the following characteristics:
1. Flat or gently sloping terrain: The agricultural lands to the west and southwest of Bellevue would be well-suited for solar farms. These areas offer expansive, open spaces with minimal shading from trees or buildings.
2. Good sun exposure: The relatively flat topography of the region generally provides excellent sun exposure throughout the day. Areas away from the river bluffs would be preferable to avoid potential shading issues.
3. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Locations near major roads and power transmission lines would be advantageous for easier construction and grid connection. The areas surrounding Interstate 29 and Highway 75 could be potential candidates.
4. Minimal environmental impact: It would be best to avoid the immediate vicinity of the Missouri River and its tributaries to minimize ecological disruption. Instead, focusing on already-developed agricultural land would be more environmentally friendly.
5. Flood-resistant areas: Given the proximity to the Missouri River, it's crucial to select locations that are not prone to flooding. The higher ground west of Bellevue would be more suitable than the low-lying floodplains near the river.
In conclusion, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations near Bellevue would likely be the agricultural lands to the west and southwest of the city. These areas offer a good balance of flat terrain, sun exposure, and accessibility, while minimizing potential environmental impacts and flood risks.
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: Friday 20th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
