Yes, specific regions in the United States show a prevalence of fixed-tilt solar farms over tracking systems, primarily influenced by geographic, climatic, and economic factors.
Regional Prevalence of Fixed-Tilt Solar Systems
Eastern United States (East of Mississippi River):
- Fixed-tilt solar PV units dominate the utility-scale solar market here, accounting for approximately 80% of solar PV capacity as of 2015.
- This higher share is attributed to the nature of solar radiation in this region—more diffuse radiation due to atmospheric conditions—where fixed-tilt systems can be more economical than tracking systems.
- Tracking systems, which capture more direct-beam radiation, are less beneficial in areas with less direct sunlight.
Western United States (West of Mississippi River):
- Fixed-tilt solar systems represent a smaller portion, about 37% of the utility-scale solar capacity, while single-axis tracking systems account for around 56%.
- The region’s higher direct-beam solar radiation makes tracking systems more cost-effective and productive here.
Latitude and Location Influence:
- Fixed-tilt systems are commonly found at latitudes ranging from about 20 degrees (Hawaii) to 50 degrees north (Oregon and other northern states), aligning with the diversity of solar resource types across these regions.
Example: Phoenix and Texas as Fixed-Tilt Solar Hotspots
- Phoenix, Arizona, stands out as a dominant market for fixed-tilt solar PV systems in the US.
- It benefits from excellent solar resource potential with approximately 299 bright days per year and high solar insolation averaging about 5.7 kWh/m²/day.
- Regulatory incentives like Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff also drive adoption of fixed-tilt systems.
- Phoenix accounts for a significant share of Arizona’s solar capacity, reflecting the economic and population growth that fuels solar market expansion.
- Texas is another important region for fixed-tilt solar PV, although detailed specifics from the provided data are limited.
| Region | Fixed-Tilt Prevalence | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern US (East of Mississippi) | ~80% | More diffuse solar radiation, cost-effectiveness of fixed tilt |
| Western US (West of Mississippi) | ~37% | More direct solar radiation favoring trackers |
| Phoenix, AZ | High dominance | Excellent solar resource, regulatory support |
| Texas | Not specified | Active fixed-tilt solar market |
Fixed-tilt solar farms are particularly prevalent in regions where diffuse solar radiation dominates, where the increased cost of trackers is not justified by the incremental energy gain, and where local regulations and economic factors encourage simpler, less costly fixed-tilt systems.
Summary: Fixed-tilt solar farms are more common in the eastern US and specific high-solar-resource cities like Phoenix, driven by radiation type, latitude, and economic incentives, while tracking systems dominate in many parts of the western US where direct sunlight is abundant.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-regions-where-fixed-tilt-solar-farms-are-more-prevalent-than-tracking-systems/
