Solar PV Analysis of Bryn Mawr, United States
In the city of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, United States, situated at a latitude of 40.0271 and longitude of -75.3291, the average daily solar energy generated per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity varies significantly across different seasons. During summer months, it averages 5.99 kilowatt-hours (kWh), while in spring it is slightly lower at 5.36 kWh. In autumn, the production drops to an average of 3.43 kWh and in winter it further decreases to around 2.14 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar.
These seasonal variations are primarily due to fluctuating sunlight hours and weather conditions throughout the year which affect the amount of available sunlight for energy generation.
For fixed panel installations at this location, an optimal tilt angle would be approximately 35 degrees facing southwards to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Bryn Mawr's geographical location is generally conducive for solar power generation due to its substantial number of sunny days annually; however, certain local factors could potentially impede maximum output from a photovoltaic system here.
One such factor is cloud cover or foggy conditions which can reduce direct sunlight reaching panels thus decreasing their efficiency on those days; snowfall during winter months can have similar effects by covering panels and blocking out sunlight completely until cleared off manually or melted naturally.
Preventative measures that can be taken include installing systems with built-in snow melting technology or ensuring regular manual clearing during periods with heavy snowfall; additionally using high-efficiency panels that perform better under diffused light conditions can help mitigate some losses from cloudy days.
Despite these challenges, Bryn Mawr remains a suitable location for generating renewable energy via solar power thanks largely due to its favorable sun exposure over much part of 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 Bryn Mawr
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.0271, Longitude: -75.3291 (Bryn Mawr, 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 35° South in Bryn Mawr, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bryn Mawr, United States (Lat/Long 40.0271, -75.3291) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Bryn Mawr, 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 Bryn Mawr, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 33° 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 Bryn Mawr, 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 Bryn Mawr, 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 Bryn Mawr, United States
The topography around Bryn Mawr, United States is relatively flat and open with some rolling hills. Nearby areas that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV include open fields, rooftops, parking lots, and other flat surfaces. These areas should have minimal shade from trees or buildings in order to maximize the amount of sunlight received.
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 18th of December 2023
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.
