Solar PV Analysis of Decatur, Indiana, United States
Decatur, Indiana, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. With coordinates of 40.8272° N latitude and -84.9366° W longitude, this location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels in Decatur perform best during the summer months, producing an average of 6.33 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 5.56 kWh/day. However, production drops considerably in autumn (3.64 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (2.36 kWh/day).
The most favorable period for solar energy generation in Decatur spans from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Decatur, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 35-degree angle facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Decatur's location in the Northern Temperate Zone brings some challenges for solar energy production. The most significant factors include:
- Snowy winters: Snow accumulation on panels can reduce efficiency.
- Cloudy days: The region experiences overcast conditions, particularly in late fall and winter.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and microinverters can help maximize production during periods of lower sunlight.
Despite these challenges, Decatur's location still offers viable conditions for solar energy production, especially when proper installation techniques and equipment are employed.
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 Decatur, Indiana
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.8272, Longitude: -84.9366 (Decatur, Indiana, 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 Decatur, Indiana, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Decatur, Indiana, United States (Lat/Long 40.8272, -84.9366) 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 Decatur, Indiana, 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 Decatur, Indiana, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 34° 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 Decatur, Indiana, 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 Decatur, Indiana, 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 Decatur, Indiana, United States
The area around Decatur, located in northeastern Indiana, is characterized by relatively flat terrain typical of the Midwestern United States. This region is part of the broader Great Lakes Plain, which was shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. The landscape consists primarily of gently rolling plains with subtle variations in elevation.
The topography in and around Decatur features a mix of agricultural fields, scattered woodlands, and small streams. The St. Marys River flows through the area, adding some minor relief to the otherwise level landscape. The elevation changes are generally gradual, with only slight hills and shallow valleys punctuating the mostly flat terrain.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play:
Open farmland: The abundant agricultural areas surrounding Decatur offer potential for solar development. These flat, expansive fields provide ample space and minimal shading, which are ideal conditions for solar panels.
Former industrial sites: Any nearby brownfield sites or abandoned industrial areas could be repurposed for solar farms, making efficient use of land that might otherwise go unused.
Areas with southern exposure: While the region is generally flat, any slight slopes facing south would be particularly advantageous for maximizing solar energy capture throughout the day.
Locations near existing infrastructure: Areas close to power lines and substations would be preferable, as they would reduce the cost and complexity of connecting the solar installation to the electrical grid.
It's important to note that while the topography around Decatur is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 28th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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.
