Solar PV Analysis of Agawam, United States
Agawam, Massachusetts, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed scenario for year-round solar PV energy generation. With coordinates 42.0681° N, 72.6256° W, this location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
The summer months offer the most favorable conditions for solar energy generation, with an average daily output of 5.73 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 5.39 kWh/day. These seasons provide ample sunlight and longer days, making them ideal for maximizing solar energy production.
Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar output, with an average of 3.29 kWh/day. This reduction is due to shorter days and the sun's lower position in the sky. Winter presents the most challenging conditions for solar energy generation, with a daily average of only 1.92 kWh/day. The combination of shorter days, lower sun angles, and potential snow cover contributes to this significant drop in production.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Agawam, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 36 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impact solar energy production in Agawam:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
- Frequent cloud cover, especially during winter months, can decrease solar output.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-efficiency panels and micro-inverters can help maximize energy production during periods of lower sunlight. Regular panel cleaning and maintenance, particularly after snowstorms, can also ensure optimal performance.
While Agawam's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can still make solar PV a viable option for clean energy generation, especially during the spring and summer months.
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 Agawam
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.0681, Longitude: -72.6256 (Agawam, 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 36° South in Agawam, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Agawam, United States (Lat/Long 42.0681, -72.6256) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Agawam, 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 Agawam, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 35° 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 Agawam, 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 Agawam, 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 Agawam, United States
The topography around Agawam, Massachusetts is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, flat river valleys, and some low-lying areas. Agawam itself is situated along the western bank of the Connecticut River, which forms a significant part of the landscape. The terrain in this region is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 40 to 200 feet above sea level.
To the west of Agawam, the land gradually rises into the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, creating a more varied topography with some steeper slopes and higher elevations. However, these hills are still relatively modest compared to more mountainous regions.
The Connecticut River Valley, which includes Agawam and neighboring communities, features expansive flood plains and rich agricultural lands. These flat, open areas are interspersed with small streams and tributaries that feed into the main river.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found in the flatter, open spaces of the Connecticut River Valley. These locations offer several advantages for solar energy development:
- Large, unobstructed areas that receive consistent sunlight throughout the day
- Minimal shading from hills or tall vegetation
- Easy access for construction and maintenance due to the relatively flat terrain
- Proximity to existing infrastructure and power grids in the more developed areas of the valley
Specifically, former agricultural lands or unused open fields in the surrounding towns of West Springfield, Springfield, and Westfield could be prime candidates for solar PV development. These areas often provide the necessary space and sunlight exposure for efficient solar energy production.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV in this region, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and grid connection capabilities would also need to be taken into account when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar installations.
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: Thursday 18th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
