Solar PV Analysis of Brewster, United States
Brewster, New York, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. With its position at 41.3973° N latitude and -73.6171° longitude, this location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Brewster, with an impressive average of 5.86 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.45 kWh/day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy output.
Autumn sees a moderate decline in production, with 3.46 kWh/day. Winter, however, presents the greatest challenge, with output dropping to just 1.99 kWh/day per kW installed. This significant seasonal variation highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate year-round energy supply.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Brewster, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 36-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Brewster's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Tree shading may impact some installations, particularly in heavily wooded areas
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding, and conduct a thorough site assessment to minimize shading impacts. Regular panel cleaning and maintenance can also help ensure optimal performance year-round.
Despite the challenges posed by winter conditions, Brewster's location offers strong potential for solar energy generation, particularly during the spring and summer months. With proper system design and maintenance, solar PV can be a reliable and efficient energy source for this New York community.
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 Brewster
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.3973, Longitude: -73.6171 (Brewster, 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 Brewster, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Brewster, United States (Lat/Long 41.3973, -73.6171) 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 Brewster, 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 Brewster, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Brewster, 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 Brewster, 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 Brewster, United States
The area around Brewster, New York, located at 41.3973°N and 73.6171°W, is characterized by a diverse and varied topography. This region is part of the Hudson Valley, which is known for its rolling hills, small mountains, and numerous water features.
The landscape surrounding Brewster consists of gently undulating terrain with some steeper slopes and ridges. To the east and northeast, you'll find more pronounced hills that gradually rise towards the Taconic Mountains of western Connecticut. To the west, the land slopes down towards the Hudson River, though the river itself is about 15 miles away from Brewster.
Numerous small lakes, ponds, and reservoirs dot the area, including the East Branch Reservoir just north of Brewster. These water bodies are interspersed among forested areas and cleared land used for agriculture or suburban development. The overall impression is of a green, lush landscape with a mix of open spaces and wooded areas.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Ideal locations for solar farms typically have the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping land
- Open areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Good access to existing electrical infrastructure
- Away from densely populated areas or protected natural habitats
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Brewster would likely be found in the more open, agricultural lands to the north and east of the town. These areas tend to have larger, flatter parcels of land that are already cleared of trees. The gently rolling terrain in these directions could provide south-facing slopes, which are ideal for maximizing solar exposure.
However, it's important to note that the Hudson Valley region is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned and approved by local authorities, taking into account environmental impacts, zoning regulations, and community concerns. Additionally, the presence of numerous water bodies and forested areas may limit the available suitable land for very large solar installations in the immediate vicinity of Brewster.
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 9th 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.
