Solar PV Analysis of Aldie, United States
Aldie, Virginia, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 38.9757, -77.6414, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which is typical for its latitude.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.46 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.73 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.01 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.47 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Aldie's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early fall, making it an excellent time for maximizing solar energy production. However, the substantial drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Aldie, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Aldie's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Aldie experiences moderate snowfall in winter, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended angle helps with snow shedding.
- Tree coverage: The area has significant vegetation, potentially causing shading issues. Careful site selection and tree trimming may be necessary.
To mitigate these factors, consider using snow-shedding panel designs, implementing regular panel cleaning schedules, and conducting thorough site assessments to minimize shading impacts. Additionally, using microinverters or power optimizers can help maintain system efficiency even when some panels are partially shaded.
Overall, while Aldie faces some challenges, particularly in winter, its location still offers good potential for solar energy production with proper planning and installation techniques.
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 Aldie
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.9757, Longitude: -77.6414 (Aldie, 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 34° South in Aldie, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aldie, United States (Lat/Long 38.9757, -77.6414) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Aldie, 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 Aldie, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° 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 Aldie, 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 Aldie, 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 Aldie, United States
The area around Aldie, Virginia, located at 38.9757°N and 77.6414°W, is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Piedmont region. This transitional zone between the flat Coastal Plain to the east and the more rugged Appalachian Mountains to the west features a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and small streams.
The topography in this region is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 300 to 600 feet above sea level. The landscape is dotted with low hills and shallow valleys, creating a picturesque rural setting. The area is part of the Bull Run Mountains, which are more like hills compared to the taller mountains further west.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would be the open, relatively flat agricultural lands that are common in this region. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development:
- They typically have fewer trees or other obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels.
- The gently sloping terrain allows for easier construction and maintenance of solar arrays.
- Many of these areas are already cleared for farming, reducing the need for extensive land preparation.
Ideal locations for solar farms would be south-facing slopes, as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, even relatively flat areas can be suitable for solar PV installations with proper panel orientation.
It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar development, other factors such as local zoning regulations, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also play a crucial role in determining the best sites for large-scale solar projects in this area.
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: Monday 14th of October 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.
