Sparta, Tennessee, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 35.9259, -85.4641, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in electricity output provide insights into the potential for solar energy production at this site.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.32 kWh per day generated for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.65 kWh/day. These seasons offer excellent opportunities for maximizing solar energy production. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in output, dropping to 4.14 kWh/day. While less productive than summer and spring, it still contributes significantly to the overall annual energy generation. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with production falling to 2.53 kWh/day. This substantial decrease highlights the impact of shorter days and lower sun angles during the colder months.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Sparta, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 31 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Sparta's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Tree coverage: The region's abundant vegetation could potentially shade solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Careful site selection and tree trimming may be necessary to maximize sun exposure. 2. Seasonal weather patterns: Tennessee experiences a humid subtropical climate, which can lead to occasional heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly in spring and summer. While these events are typically short-lived, they can temporarily reduce solar output. To mitigate these factors, installers should conduct thorough site assessments, ensuring optimal panel placement away from potential shading sources. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant panels and regular maintenance can help maintain efficiency despite occasional adverse weather conditions. Overall, Sparta, Tennessee offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation, with particularly strong potential during the spring and summer months. While winter presents challenges, the site's overall annual production capabilities make it a viable option for those considering solar energy investments.

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 Sparta, Tennessee

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.9259, Longitude: -85.4641 (Sparta, Tennessee, 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 31° South in Sparta, Tennessee, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sparta, Tennessee, United States (Lat/Long 35.9259, -85.4641) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Sparta, Tennessee, 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 Sparta, Tennessee, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
19° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	51° South in Winter	28° 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 Sparta, Tennessee, 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 Sparta, Tennessee, 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 Sparta, Tennessee, United States

The topography around Sparta, United States, located at latitude 35.9259 and longitude -85.4641, is characterized by a diverse landscape typical of the eastern Tennessee region. Sparta is situated in the Upper Cumberland area, which features a mix of rolling hills, plateaus, and valleys. The city itself lies in a valley surrounded by higher elevations, with the Cumberland Plateau rising to the east and the Highland Rim to the west. The area around Sparta is marked by gentle to moderate slopes, with elevations ranging from approximately 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The landscape is dotted with numerous streams and rivers, including the Calfkiller River, which flows through the heart of Sparta. These waterways have carved out small valleys and gorges over time, contributing to the varied terrain. The region's topography is further enhanced by the presence of karst features, such as sinkholes and underground caves, which are common in areas with limestone bedrock. This unique geological characteristic adds complexity to the landscape and influences local drainage patterns.

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 ideal locations for solar farms typically include flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure and minimal shading from surrounding terrain or vegetation. In the vicinity of Sparta, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found on the Highland Rim to the west of the city. This region generally features more open, level terrain compared to the more rugged Cumberland Plateau to the east. The relatively flat expanses of the Highland Rim provide ample space for solar panel arrays and receive consistent sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, some of the broader valley floors in the area, particularly those with south-facing slopes, could be potential candidates for solar installations. These locations would benefit from natural protection against strong winds while still receiving abundant sunlight. It's important to note that while the topography is a crucial factor, other considerations such as land availability, proximity to power infrastructure, and local zoning regulations would also play significant roles in determining the ultimate suitability of specific sites for large-scale solar PV projects in the Sparta area.

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

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.