Solar panels work best in the United States in regions with abundant sunlight and favorable solar conditions. While solar panels can be installed and generate electricity in most parts of the country, the following regions generally have the best solar potential:
Southwestern United States
States like Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Southern California receive some of the country’s highest levels of solar irradiance. These areas have many sunny days throughout the year, making them ideal for solar energy production.
Southeastern United States
States in the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, also have good solar potential due to their relatively high levels of sunshine.
Western United States
States like Utah, Colorado, and parts of Texas have favorable solar conditions, with ample sunlight and clear skies.
Hawaii
Given its year-round tropical climate and abundant sunshine, Hawaii is an excellent location for solar panels.
Southwest deserts
Areas within the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, such as parts of southern California and southern Arizona, have some of the best solar resources in the country.
Parts of the Midwest and Plains
States like Kansas, Oklahoma, and parts of the Midwest have decent solar potential, particularly in rural areas with large open spaces.
Northern and Northeastern United States
While these regions receive less direct sunlight compared to the Southwest, solar panels are still viable and can generate electricity. The efficiency of solar panels may be lower during the winter months, but they can still contribute to energy production.
More Takeaways
There is no such thing as a “bad” location for a solar farm. Even in regions typically known for their overcast skies, such as Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and the Dakotas, ample clean energy can be generated with the right technology and incentives. Nevertheless, solar and wind energy generation in the United States holds national significance.
To meet the nation’s power needs, transition away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and combat climate change, it is essential to harness abundant sunshine in regions where solar farming is most viable.
By concentrating solar power resources in these favorable areas, we enhance the potential for solar PV panels to maximize their energy generation.