Franklin, Virginia, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 36.6841, -76.9206, presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations that potential solar installers should carefully consider.

Seasonal Solar Production Overview

The solar energy output at Franklin shows substantial fluctuation throughout the year. Summer delivers the highest production at 6.53 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making it the peak season for solar generation. Spring follows closely with strong performance at 6.08 kWh per day per kW, indicating excellent conditions during these warmer months. Autumn sees a notable decline to 4.28 kWh per day per kW, while winter presents the most challenging period with only 2.66 kWh per day per kW of production. This winter output represents less than half of summer production, highlighting the importance of proper system sizing and energy storage considerations for year-round energy needs.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For maximum year-round solar production at Franklin, fixed solar panels should be tilted at 32 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual energy output by accounting for the sun's varying position throughout the seasons and the location's specific latitude.

Local Environmental and Weather Challenges

Franklin's location in southeastern Virginia presents several environmental factors that could impact solar energy production:

• High humidity and coastal proximity: The area's humid subtropical climate can lead to moisture accumulation on panels, reducing efficiency
• Hurricane and severe storm risk: Franklin lies within the Atlantic hurricane corridor, posing risks of wind damage and debris
• Frequent thunderstorms: Summer months bring regular afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rain and potential hail
• Tree coverage and vegetation: The region's lush vegetation can create shading issues as trees grow

Preventative Measures for Enhanced Production

Several installation strategies can help mitigate these local challenges and maximize energy output. Proper panel mounting systems should be engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds, with reinforced racking and secure roof attachments that meet or exceed local building codes for wind loads. Regular cleaning schedules become particularly important in Franklin's humid environment. Installing panels with anti-soiling coatings or self-cleaning surfaces can help maintain efficiency when moisture and organic matter accumulate. Adequate spacing between panels also promotes air circulation, reducing moisture retention. For storm protection, consider installing monitoring systems that can detect severe weather and alert homeowners to potential issues. Micro-inverters or power optimizers can help minimize production losses when individual panels are affected by shading or debris. Careful site selection during installation is crucial. Conduct thorough shade analysis accounting for future tree growth, and consider tree trimming or removal where necessary. Installing panels on south-facing roof sections with minimal obstruction will maximize the benefit of the optimal 32-degree tilt angle.

Overall Assessment

While Franklin, Virginia, offers reasonable solar potential with strong spring and summer production, the significant winter decline and local environmental challenges require thoughtful planning. The location works best for solar installations when proper precautions are taken against weather-related risks and when systems are sized appropriately to account for seasonal variations in output.

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 Franklin, Virginia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.6841, Longitude: -76.9206 (Franklin, Virginia, 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 32° South in Franklin, Virginia, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Franklin, Virginia, United States (Lat/Long 36.6841, -76.9206) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Franklin, Virginia, 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 Franklin, Virginia, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	52° South in Winter	29° 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 Franklin, Virginia, 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 Franklin, Virginia, 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 Franklin, Virginia, United States

Topographical Features of Franklin, Virginia

Franklin sits in the southeastern region of Virginia within the Coastal Plain physiographic province, characterized by relatively flat terrain with gentle undulations. The city is positioned at an elevation of approximately 20 feet above sea level, making it part of the low-lying coastal landscape that extends from the Atlantic Ocean inland. This area represents the transition zone between the higher elevations of the Piedmont region to the west and the maritime coastal areas to the east. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of level to gently rolling terrain, with most elevation changes being gradual rather than steep. The topography is dominated by broad, flat expanses interspersed with subtle ridges and shallow depressions. Local relief typically varies by only 20 to 40 feet across most areas, creating an overall gentle countryside appearance. Several waterways influence the local topography, including the Blackwater River which flows through the region. These water features have carved shallow valleys and created associated floodplains, but the overall impact on elevation changes remains modest. The presence of these waterways also contributes to the formation of wetland areas and slightly lower-lying zones adjacent to the main channels.

Soil and Drainage Characteristics

The underlying geology consists primarily of unconsolidated sediments deposited during various geological periods, creating soils that range from sandy to clay-rich compositions. These soils generally provide stable foundations, though drainage characteristics vary depending on local conditions and proximity to waterways. Areas with better drainage tend to be found on the subtle elevated portions of the landscape, while lower-lying areas near streams and rivers may experience seasonal wetness. Agricultural land use is common throughout the region, indicating that much of the terrain is suitable for development and has been cleared of native forest cover. This existing land use pattern suggests good accessibility and infrastructure development potential across much of the surrounding countryside.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations would be found on the gently elevated, well-drained areas that extend in multiple directions from Franklin. These slightly higher elevations provide several advantages including better drainage, reduced risk of flooding, and typically clearer atmospheric conditions due to their position above any ground-level moisture accumulation. Areas to the west and northwest of Franklin appear particularly promising, as they combine the beneficial flat-to-gently-rolling topography with good drainage characteristics and existing agricultural land use. These zones offer the dual benefits of minimal grading requirements due to their naturally level terrain, while avoiding the potential complications associated with proximity to major waterways. The terrain south and east of Franklin also presents good opportunities, particularly where the land rises gently above the immediate floodplain influences. These areas maintain the flat characteristics ideal for solar panel installation while providing sufficient elevation to ensure proper drainage and reduce environmental concerns. Agricultural fields that are currently in cultivation represent especially attractive sites, as they typically indicate well-drained soils, existing access routes, and land that has already been cleared and maintained in an open condition. The conversion from agricultural use to solar development often encounters fewer regulatory obstacles compared to forested or environmentally sensitive areas. Areas to avoid would include the immediate floodplains of local waterways, any identified wetland zones, and the few locations where steeper slopes might be present along stream valleys. While the overall topography is quite favorable for solar development, careful site selection focusing on the best-drained, most accessible, and appropriately elevated locations will ensure optimal project success and longevity.

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.