Dickinson, Texas, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising environment for solar PV energy generation. With its geographical coordinates at 29.4608 latitude and -95.0513 longitude, this location experiences varying levels of solar potential throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Dickinson fluctuates across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.40 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.22 kWh/day, while autumn yields a respectable 4.84 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest output at 3.26 kWh/day, but still contributes significantly to the overall annual production.

Optimal Installation Angle

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Dickinson, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 26 degrees facing south. This angle has been carefully calculated to account for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Peak Generation Periods

The most favorable times for solar energy generation in Dickinson are during the summer months, typically from June through August. This period offers extended daylight hours and more direct sunlight, resulting in peak energy production. Spring and early fall also provide excellent conditions for solar power generation, with moderate temperatures and ample sunshine.

Environmental Considerations

While Dickinson's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The area is prone to occasional hurricanes and tropical storms, which could potentially damage solar installations. To mitigate this risk, it's crucial to use high-quality, wind-resistant mounting systems and panels designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Additionally, the region experiences high humidity levels, which can lead to increased dust accumulation on solar panels. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the panels can help maintain optimal efficiency. Installing panels at a steeper angle than the recommended 26 degrees may also assist with self-cleaning during rainfalls, though this would slightly reduce overall annual production.

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and preventative measures, Dickinson remains an excellent location for solar PV energy generation, offering substantial potential for clean, renewable energy production throughout the year.

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 Dickinson, Texas

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 29.4608, Longitude: -95.0513 (Dickinson, Texas, 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 26° South in Dickinson, Texas, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dickinson, Texas, United States (Lat/Long 29.4608, -95.0513) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 26° 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 Dickinson, Texas, 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 Dickinson, Texas, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 26° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
14° South in Summer	34° South in Autumn	45° South in Winter	23° 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 Dickinson, Texas, 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 Dickinson, Texas, 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 Dickinson, Texas, United States

The topography around Dickinson, Texas, located at latitude 29.4608 and longitude -95.0513, is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the Gulf Coast region. This area is part of the coastal plains, with low elevations generally ranging from sea level to about 30 feet above sea level. The landscape is predominantly composed of prairie grasslands, interspersed with patches of woodlands and wetlands. Dickinson sits on the edge of Galveston Bay, and the surrounding area features numerous bayous, creeks, and small lakes. These water features contribute to the region's relatively flat topography, as they have shaped the land over time through erosion and sediment deposition. The soil in this area is primarily composed of clay and sand, which is characteristic of coastal plain environments.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain around Dickinson is generally favorable for solar PV development, as it minimizes the need for extensive land grading and allows for efficient panel placement. Areas to the west and northwest of Dickinson, moving slightly inland from the coast, might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These locations typically have less frequent flooding concerns compared to areas closer to the bay and coast. Additionally, they often feature larger tracts of open land that could accommodate expansive solar arrays. The rural areas surrounding nearby towns like Alvin, Manvel, and Pearland could offer suitable sites for solar development. These locations benefit from their proximity to existing power infrastructure and major population centers, while still providing ample open space for large-scale installations. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as land availability, zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would need to be carefully evaluated when selecting specific sites for solar PV development in the region around Dickinson.

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.