Solar PV Analysis of Charlottesville, United States
In Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (latitude: 38.0321, longitude: -78.489), the average energy production from solar installations varies by season. During the summer months, when sunlight is most abundant and days are longest, an installed kilowatt (kW) of solar can generate an average of 6.47 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. In contrast, during winter months when days are shorter and sunlight less intense due to the sun's lower position in the sky, each kW of installed solar can yield approximately 2.49 kWh per day on average.
The spring and autumn seasons offer intermediate levels of sunlight resulting in daily yields averaging at 5.75 kWh/kW and 4.04 kWh/kW respectively for each kW of installed solar capacity.
For optimal results in a fixed panel installation at this location, panels should be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing south to maximize exposure to direct sunlight throughout the year.
Charlottesville's climate is generally conducive for year-round solar power generation due to its hot summers and mild winters which provide ample sunshine for most parts of the year.
However, it is important to note that local environmental or topographical factors could potentially impede energy production from solar installations here - such as shading from nearby buildings or trees which could reduce a panel's exposure to direct sunlight significantly.
To counteract these potential obstacles and ensure maximum energy output from your installation irrespective of seasonality or local impediments; careful site assessment should be conducted prior to installation; consideration should also be given towards regular maintenance including cleaning panels regularly ensuring they remain as efficient as possible despite any potential limiting factors found within this particular environment/location.
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 Charlottesville
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.0321, Longitude: -78.489 (Charlottesville, 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 33° South in Charlottesville, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Charlottesville, United States (Lat/Long 38.0321, -78.489) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° 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 | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville, United States
The topography around Charlottesville is quite varied. The city itself is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a part of the Appalachian Mountains. To the east and south of Charlottesville lies rolling hills and farmland, while to the west there are more mountainous areas with higher elevations.
Areas that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations would be those with open land and clear skies away from trees or other obstructions. Flat land near Charlottesville such as farmland or open fields would provide an ideal environment for solar farms, as they typically require large amounts of space without shading from nearby trees or buildings. Areas on higher ground may also be suitable if they offer enough space and unobstructed sun exposure during peak hours.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 11th of October 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.
