Solar PV Analysis of Centreville, United States
Centreville, Virginia, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's potential for solar power production varies significantly across seasons, with peak performance during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average daily output of 6.46 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.73 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, averaging 4.01 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.47 kWh/day.
This seasonal variation indicates that Centreville experiences optimal solar conditions from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.
Optimal Panel Tilt
For fixed panel installations in Centreville, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's varying positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Centreville's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact performance:
- Seasonal snow: Winter snowfall can temporarily reduce panel efficiency if not promptly removed.
- Tree shading: Nearby deciduous trees may cast shadows on panels, particularly in spring and fall.
To mitigate these issues, regular panel maintenance, including snow removal, is essential. Additionally, strategic placement of solar arrays away from potential shading sources can help maximize energy production.
Overall, while Centreville experiences seasonal fluctuations in solar potential, its location still provides a viable opportunity for solar PV energy generation, especially with proper installation and maintenance practices.
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 Centreville
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.8452, Longitude: -77.4651 (Centreville, 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 34° South in Centreville, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Centreville, United States (Lat/Long 38.8452, -77.4651) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Centreville, 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 Centreville, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° 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 Centreville, 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 Centreville, 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 Centreville, United States
The topography around Centreville, Virginia, located in the United States at latitude 38.8452 and longitude -77.4651, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys. This area is part of the Piedmont region, which sits between the flat coastal plain to the east and the more mountainous Appalachian region to the west.
The landscape in and around Centreville features a mix of low-lying areas and modest elevations, with altitudes generally ranging from about 200 to 400 feet above sea level. The terrain is dotted with small streams and creeks that have carved shallow valleys over time. The area also includes patches of woodland interspersed with open fields and suburban developments.
When considering nearby areas that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure. Given the topography of the region, the most suitable areas for solar PV would likely be found in the following locations:
1. Open agricultural fields: The rural areas surrounding Centreville, particularly to the west and southwest, have expanses of farmland that could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. These areas often have the advantage of being relatively flat and clear of obstructions that might block sunlight.
2. Cleared hilltops: Some of the higher elevations in the area, if not heavily forested, could provide good locations for solar panels. These sites might benefit from increased sun exposure due to their elevation.
3. Reclaimed or brownfield sites: Any former industrial or commercial areas that are no longer in use could be potential candidates for solar development, provided they offer sufficient space and sun exposure.
It's important to note that while the topography around Centreville is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local zoning laws, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the area.
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: Tuesday 23rd 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.
