Atkinson, New Hampshire, in the United States, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panels in Atkinson perform best during the summer months, producing an average of 5.75 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 5.42 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant drop to 3.35 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.01 kWh/day per kW installed.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of shorter days and lower sun angles during colder months. However, the relatively strong spring performance suggests that solar generation can be effective for a significant portion of the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round energy production, fixed solar panels in Atkinson should be tilted at a 37-degree angle facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun position.

Environmental Considerations

While Atkinson's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
• Tree coverage may cause shading issues in some areas

To mitigate these challenges, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and conduct a thorough site assessment to minimize shading from nearby trees or structures. Regular panel maintenance, including snow removal when necessary, can help ensure consistent energy production throughout the year.

Overall, while not ideal year-round, Atkinson's location offers good potential for solar energy generation, particularly from spring through fall. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a significant contribution to local energy needs.

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 Atkinson

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.8392, Longitude: -71.1529 (Atkinson, 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 37° South in Atkinson, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Atkinson, United States (Lat/Long 42.8392, -71.1529) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Atkinson, 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 Atkinson, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° 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	47° South in Autumn	57° 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 Atkinson, 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 Atkinson, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Atkinson, United States

The topography around Atkinson, United States, located at latitude 42.8392 and longitude -71.1529, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, flat areas, and small valleys. This region, situated in southern New Hampshire, is part of the New England Upland physiographic province. The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a diverse terrain with scattered wetlands, ponds, and streams. The area surrounding Atkinson features a combination of forested land and open spaces, with elevations generally ranging from about 100 to 400 feet above sea level. The town itself sits on relatively flat terrain, but the surrounding region becomes more hilly and undulating as you move away from the center. To the west, the land gradually rises towards the Merrimack River Valley, while to the east, it slopes gently towards the Atlantic coast.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations for solar farms typically include: 1. Open, flat or gently sloping land: Areas with minimal tree cover and relatively even terrain are preferred. The region around Atkinson does have some suitable locations, particularly in former agricultural fields or cleared areas. 2. South-facing slopes: While the area is not particularly mountainous, any available south-facing hillsides would be advantageous for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day. 3. Areas away from wetlands and water bodies: The region has numerous small ponds and wetlands, so care must be taken to avoid these ecologically sensitive areas. 4. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Locations near power lines and substations would be more cost-effective for connecting to the grid. Given these considerations, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations near Atkinson would likely be found in the cleared, open spaces to the south and southeast of the town. These areas tend to have more expansive flat or gently sloping terrain that was previously used for agriculture. Additionally, some of the less densely forested areas to the northwest might also offer potential sites, provided they meet other criteria such as adequate sun exposure and proximity to necessary infrastructure. It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would require careful planning and environmental assessment to ensure minimal impact on the local ecosystem and community. The mix of forests, wetlands, and open spaces in the region contributes to its ecological diversity, which should be considered in any development plans.

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!

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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.