Solar PV Analysis of Monticello, Illinois, United States
Monticello, Illinois, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 40.0264, -88.5612, presents a varied landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production, which is typical for regions in this climate zone.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Monticello peaks during the summer months, with an impressive average of 6.32 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 5.36 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 3.56 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.34 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Monticello is well-suited for solar energy production, particularly from late spring through early fall. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles during these periods contribute to the increased energy yield.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Monticello, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 35 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun path variations.
Environmental Considerations
While Monticello generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Winter accumulation can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended angle helps with snow shedding.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences partly cloudy conditions, which can affect solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help mitigate this issue.
To enhance solar production in Monticello, consider implementing a tracking system to follow the sun's path, which can increase energy yield by up to 25%. Additionally, regular panel cleaning and maintenance, especially after snowfall or during pollen season, can help maintain optimal performance.
Overall, Monticello's location provides a good opportunity for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential during the warmer months and adequate production year-round when properly optimized.
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 Monticello, Illinois
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.0264, Longitude: -88.5612 (Monticello, Illinois, 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 35° South in Monticello, Illinois, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Monticello, Illinois, United States (Lat/Long 40.0264, -88.5612) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Monticello, Illinois, 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 Monticello, Illinois, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 33° 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 Monticello, Illinois, 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 Monticello, Illinois, 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 Monticello, Illinois, United States
The area around Monticello, Illinois, located at 40.0264° N latitude and 88.5612° W longitude, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This region is part of the vast Interior Plains, specifically within the Central Lowland province. The landscape is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys.
The topography in this area was largely shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch, resulting in a relatively smooth surface covered with glacial deposits. The land is generally low-lying, with elevations ranging from about 650 to 750 feet above sea level. The Sangamon River, which flows near Monticello, has carved a shallow valley through the area, creating some minor variations in the local terrain.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors should be considered:
- Open spaces: The rural areas surrounding Monticello offer ample open land that could potentially be used for solar farms. Agricultural fields, in particular, provide large, unobstructed spaces ideal for solar panel arrays.
- Flat terrain: The generally level landscape in this region is advantageous for solar installations, as it minimizes the need for extensive grading and earthwork.
- Southern exposure: Gently sloping areas with a southern aspect would be particularly well-suited for maximizing solar energy capture throughout the day.
- Proximity to infrastructure: Areas close to existing electrical infrastructure, such as power lines and substations, would be preferable to minimize connection costs.
Considering these factors, the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be found in the agricultural lands to the south and east of Monticello. These areas typically feature expansive, open fields with minimal topographic variation, providing ideal conditions for solar energy development. However, it's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed environmental and technical assessments, as well as consideration of local zoning regulations and land use policies.
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: Thursday 22nd 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.
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.
