Payson, Arizona, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 34.2198, -111.2878, offers a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's solar potential varies across seasons, with notable differences in energy output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Spring and summer prove to be the most productive seasons for solar energy in Payson. Spring leads with an impressive 7.81 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity, closely followed by summer at 7.51 kWh/day. These high outputs make the warmer months ideal for maximizing solar energy production. Autumn sees a moderate decline in solar performance, with an average daily output of 5.33 kWh per kW installed. While less productive than spring and summer, autumn still offers significant solar potential. Winter experiences the lowest solar output, averaging 3.78 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. Despite the reduced performance, Payson's winter solar production remains relatively robust compared to many other locations at similar latitudes.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Payson, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Payson generally provides excellent conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Dust and pollen: Payson's semi-arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue. 2. Monsoon season: Arizona's summer monsoons can bring sudden rainstorms and increased cloud cover, temporarily impacting solar output. However, these events are typically short-lived and do not significantly affect long-term production. 3. Wildfire smoke: During fire seasons, smoke from nearby wildfires could temporarily reduce solar efficiency. Installing high-quality panels with anti-soiling coatings can help maintain performance under such conditions. To address these factors, consider implementing automated cleaning systems, using panels with anti-soiling technology, and ensuring proper panel placement to avoid any localized shading issues. Regular maintenance and monitoring can also help maintain optimal performance throughout the year. Overall, Payson's location offers excellent potential for solar PV energy generation, with strong performance across all seasons and particularly favorable conditions during spring and summer months.

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 Payson, Arizona

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.2198, Longitude: -111.2878 (Payson, Arizona, 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 30° South in Payson, Arizona, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Payson, Arizona, United States (Lat/Long 34.2198, -111.2878) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Payson, Arizona, 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 Payson, Arizona, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
18° South in Summer	39° South in Autumn	49° South in Winter	27° 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 Payson, Arizona, 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 Payson, Arizona, 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 Payson, Arizona, United States

The topography around Payson, Arizona, is characterized by its diverse and rugged landscape. Situated in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, Payson is surrounded by stunning natural features that make it a unique and picturesque location. The area is part of the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment that runs across central Arizona, creating a transition zone between the lower desert regions and the higher Colorado Plateau. The terrain around Payson is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with elevations ranging from about 4,800 feet to over 7,000 feet in nearby peaks. The landscape is dotted with pine forests, juniper woodlands, and chaparral vegetation, creating a lush green environment that contrasts with the more arid regions of Arizona to the south. Numerous canyons, valleys, and mesas add to the area's topographical complexity. Several prominent features define the local topography. To the north and east, the Mogollon Rim rises dramatically, forming steep cliffs and providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. To the south and west, the terrain becomes more varied, with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and deep canyons carved by seasonal streams and rivers.

Solar PV Potential in the Payson Area

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have relatively flat terrain, good sun exposure, and minimal environmental impact. While the immediate vicinity of Payson is quite mountainous and forested, there are potential areas within a reasonable distance that could be suitable for solar development. The regions to the south and southwest of Payson, as the elevation decreases and the landscape transitions to more open, desert-like terrain, offer promising locations for solar PV projects. These areas typically have fewer trees, more consistent topography, and excellent solar radiation levels. Specific locations might include: 1. The lower-elevation areas near Tonto Basin, approximately 20-30 miles southeast of Payson, where the terrain flattens out and vegetation becomes sparser. 2. The regions around Roosevelt Lake, about 30-40 miles south of Payson, which offer expansive, open areas with good solar potential. 3. Parts of the Verde Valley to the west, particularly in the more open areas away from the immediate river corridor, could provide suitable sites for solar installations. It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, land ownership (much of the surrounding area is National Forest land), and local regulations. Additionally, the proximity to existing power infrastructure would play a crucial role in determining the most economically viable locations for solar PV projects in this 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.