Central Valley Solar Power Information & Peak Sun Hours
Solar Green Energy Summary for Central Valley, Utah
Lattitude: 38.6991
Sunlight
Fixed Tilt Sunlight Hours: 6.7 hours per day
1-Axis Tilt Sunlight Hours: 7.9 hours per day
2-Axis Tilt Sunlight Hours: 8.4 hours per day
It goes without saying that throughout the year the amount of sunlight in any given day is going to vary. The time of year and weather will have a strong influence on daily sunshine. Looking at the average amount of peak sunshine hours in a day during an entire year stretch is a valuable exercise when trying to determine the amount and type of solar panels you need to install to power your business or your home. 6.7 peak sun hours means that in Central Valley on average there are 6.7 hours a day where the sun is strong enough for solar panels to harness its energy. This number is less than the amount of total sunlight hours in a day because there are times during the day (ex. sunrise and sunset) where the sun is not strong enough to benefit solar panels.
Sunlight hits the earth directly at the equator. This is why the equator has a latitude of zero degrees. The latitude of Central Valley is 38.7. Knowing the latitude of Central Valley can help you plan for your solar panel setup, as the larger the latitude the more variance you will see throughout the year for total daily sunlight hours.
Since a fixed solar panel is set in one position it is ideal to place it at an angle that will expose the panel to the most sunlight throughout the year. This angle is generally the same angle of your latitude which is 38.7 for Central Valley. You do not need to strategically place a 1-axis or 2-axis panel as much as you do a fixed panel. A 1-axis panel follows the movement of the sun during the day. Additionally, a 2-axis panel also adjusts for the suns various positions in the sky throughout the year.
Another reason to consider average peak sun hours is because weather can dramatically affect the day-to-day output of solar panels. It goes without saying that a dark stormy day will produce less output than a clear sunny day. Looking at a yearly average helps account for these daily variables.
In Central Valley you can look at the average peak sun hours of a fixed solar panel mount, which will be 6.7 hours. This number iis an estimate based on data of previous years. With a tracking mount in Central Valley you could theoretically increase the amount of peak sun hours per with a 1-axis mount, and get 7.9 hours, or a 2-axis mount and potentially increase your average to 8.4 hours.
Helpful & Interesting
What is the scientific definition of light energy?
Light energy is defined as how nature moves energy at an extremely rapid rate, and it makes up about 99% of the body's atoms and cells, and signal all body parts to carry out their respective tasks. An example of light energy is the movement of a radio signal.