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Solar PV Analysis of St. Catharines, Canada
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, situated within the Northern Temperate Zone, is a generally suitable location for solar PV generation. The average energy production per kW of installed solar varies across seasons: 6.16 kWh/day in Summer, 5.25 kWh/day in Spring, 3.10 kWh/day in Autumn, and 1.81 kWh/day in Winter. This indicates that solar power generation is more effective during the warmer months when there is increased sunlight availability.
However, certain weather conditions such as heavy cloud cover or snowfall can negatively impact the amount of sunlight reaching the panels and consequently reduce their efficiency at this location. Moreover, snow accumulation on top of panels may further hinder their ability to generate electricity efficiently until it is cleared away.
To optimize energy production at this site, fixed panel installations should be tilted at an angle of 37 degrees South to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the year. To address potential issues related to weather conditions and other local factors that could impede solar production significantly, regular maintenance and monitoring are essential for ensuring optimal performance and clearing any obstructions such as accumulated snow or debris from the panels promptly.
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 452 locations across Canada. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Canada by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in St. Catharines
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.1593745, Longitude: -79.2468626 (St. Catharines, Canada), 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 37° South in St. Catharines, Canada
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in St. Catharines, Canada (Lat/Long 43.1593745, -79.2468626) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 St. Catharines, Canada
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 St. Catharines, Canada. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 36° 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 St. Catharines, Canada
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 St. Catharines, Canada.
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 St. Catharines, Canada
The topography around St. Catharines, Canada is relatively flat and low-lying with some rolling hills to the north and east of the city. The area is well suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to its abundant sunshine and generally open terrain. Areas near Lake Ontario, including parts of Thorold, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Welland and Fort Erie would be particularly well suited for large-scale solar PV projects due to their direct access to the lake's cooling effect. Additionally, areas further inland such as Fonthill and Pelham may also be suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations due to their higher elevation levels providing more unobstructed sunlight throughout the day.
Canada solar PV Stats as a country
Canada ranks 23rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 3,630 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.70% of Canada's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 38th in the world). Each year Canada is generating 96 Watts from solar PV per capita (Canada ranks 40th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Canada?
There are several incentives for businesses to install solar power systems in Canada. These incentives vary by province and can include:
1. Federal Tax Incentives:- Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA): Businesses can write off the full cost of clean energy equipment in the year it's put into use.
- Ontario: Save on Energy program offers incentives for businesses to reduce energy consumption.
- Alberta: Energy Efficiency Alberta offers rebates for solar PV installations.
- British Columbia: BC Hydro offers a net metering program. BC Hydro also offers rebates for solar panels and battery storage.
- Nova Scotia: Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Program.
Many provinces ofer net metering, allowing businesses to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
4. Grants and Loans:Some provinces offer grants or low-interest loans for renewable energy projects.
5. Carbon Pricing:The federal carbon pricing system can make solar more competitive compared to fossil fuels.
6. Municipal Incentives:Some cities offer additional incentives or property tax reductions for solar installations.
7. Reduced Operating Costs:While not a direct incentive, businesses can significantly reduce their long-term energy costs.
Note: Incentives and programs can change over time, so businesses should check with local authorities and energy providers for the most up-to-date information.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Canada? 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: Friday 12th of August 2022
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
