Solar PV Analysis of Candia, United States
Candia, New Hampshire, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. With coordinates 43.0544° N, 71.3159° W, this location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Candia, with an impressive 5.72 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 5.23 kWh/day/kW. These seasons present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy output.
Autumn sees a noticeable decline in production, dropping to 3.17 kWh/day/kW. Winter experiences the most significant decrease, with only 1.88 kWh/day/kW, highlighting the challenges of solar energy generation during the colder months in this northern location.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Candia, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can impact solar production in Candia: 1. Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency. 2. Deciduous trees may cast shadows on panels, especially in spring and fall.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off, and conduct regular tree maintenance to minimize shading. Additionally, using snow-resistant panel coatings and implementing a cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal performance year-round.
Despite the challenges posed by New Hampshire's climate, particularly in winter, Candia's location still offers substantial potential for solar energy production, especially during the spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a significant contribution to the area's 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 Candia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.0544, Longitude: -71.3159 (Candia, 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 Candia, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Candia, United States (Lat/Long 43.0544, -71.3159) 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 Candia, 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 Candia, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° 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 Candia, 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 Candia, 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 Candia, United States
The topography around Candia, New Hampshire, located at latitude 43.0544 and longitude -71.3159, is characterized by gently rolling hills and small valleys typical of the New England region. This area is part of the Merrimack Valley, which features a mix of low-lying areas and modest elevations.
The landscape surrounding Candia includes a blend of forested areas, open fields, and scattered wetlands. The terrain gradually rises from the Merrimack River to the east, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 600 feet above sea level. The highest point in the vicinity is Pawtuckaway Mountain, located a few miles to the northeast, which reaches an elevation of approximately 1,011 feet.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Open, flat or gently sloping areas would be ideal for solar farms. Fields or former agricultural lands that are no longer in use could be suitable candidates.
2. South-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous for maximizing solar exposure throughout the day.
3. Areas with minimal tree cover or natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels would be preferable.
4. Locations near existing electrical infrastructure, such as power lines or substations, would be beneficial for easier grid connection.
Given these factors, some of the more suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations near Candia might include:
- Open fields to the south and southeast of Candia, particularly in the direction of Raymond and Epping
- Cleared areas along Route 101, which runs east-west just south of Candia
- Former agricultural lands or large clearings in the less densely forested regions to the west and northwest, towards Hooksett and Manchester
It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would require careful planning, environmental assessments, and compliance with local zoning regulations. Additionally, the suitability of specific sites would need to be evaluated through detailed on-the-ground surveys and technical assessments.
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: Friday 27th of September 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.
