Solar PV Analysis of Alfred, United States
Alfred, Maine, located in the Northern Temperate Zone of the United States, offers a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. The town's geographical position at latitude 43.4864 and longitude -70.6939 presents both opportunities and challenges for solar PV installations.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy production in Alfred fluctuates significantly across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.79 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.37 kWh/day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy output.
However, the colder months see a notable decline in production. Autumn yields a moderate 3.30 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.96 kWh/day. This substantial seasonal variation highlights the importance of efficient system design and energy management strategies.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar production in Alfred, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 38-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the town's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Alfred's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences significant snowfall during winter months, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. To mitigate this, installers should consider using snow-shedding panel designs or implementing regular snow removal practices.
Additionally, Alfred's forested areas may cast shadows on some properties, potentially affecting solar panel performance. A thorough site assessment to identify and minimize shading issues is crucial for optimal energy production.
Weather-Related Challenges
The area's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. Frequent cloud cover, especially during winter and early spring, can reduce solar irradiance. To address this, using high-efficiency panels and incorporating energy storage solutions can help maintain consistent power supply during less sunny periods.
By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar PV installations in Alfred can effectively harness the available solar resources, contributing to sustainable energy production throughout the year.
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 Alfred
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.4864, Longitude: -70.6939 (Alfred, 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 38° South in Alfred, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Alfred, United States (Lat/Long 43.4864, -70.6939) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Alfred, 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 Alfred, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 36° 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 Alfred, 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 Alfred, 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 Alfred, United States
The area around Alfred, United States (located at 43.4864° N, 70.6939° W) is characterized by a diverse and gently rolling topography typical of southern Maine. This region is part of the New England Upland, which features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and scattered small mountains.
The landscape in and around Alfred is primarily composed of forested areas interspersed with open fields and farmland. The terrain is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 600 feet above sea level. The Mousam River and its tributaries flow through the area, creating some low-lying areas and occasional wetlands.
To the west of Alfred, the topography becomes slightly more rugged as it approaches the foothills of the White Mountains. To the east, the land gradually slopes towards the Atlantic coast, about 20 miles away. The region also features numerous small ponds and lakes, adding to its varied landscape.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered:
1. Open, flat or gently sloping land would be ideal for solar farms. Areas with minimal tree cover and good sun exposure throughout the day are preferable. Some of the cleared agricultural lands or former industrial sites in the region could be suitable candidates.
2. South-facing slopes, even if slightly inclined, can be excellent for solar panel placement as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
3. Areas near existing electrical infrastructure would be advantageous for connecting the solar farm to the power grid.
4. Locations away from densely populated areas or sensitive ecosystems would be preferred to minimize potential conflicts or environmental impacts.
Given these considerations, some of the open fields or cleared areas to the south and southeast of Alfred might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. However, a detailed site-specific assessment would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations, taking into account local zoning regulations, land ownership, and environmental factors.
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: Wednesday 17th 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.
