Solar PV Analysis of Edgecomb, United States
Edgecomb, Maine, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal variations in solar output highlight both opportunities and challenges for solar PV installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Edgecomb, with an impressive 6.00 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.59 kWh/day. These seasons present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy output.
Autumn sees a significant drop in production, with 3.37 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 1.99 kWh/day, presenting challenges for consistent year-round energy generation.
Optimal Panel Configuration
For fixed panel installations in Edgecomb, the ideal tilt angle is 38 degrees facing South. This configuration aims to maximize total year-round production, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
Several environmental factors could impact solar production in Edgecomb:
- Snow accumulation in winter months can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
- Coastal fog, common in Maine, may decrease solar irradiance during certain periods.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off. Additionally, using high-quality, anti-reflective coatings on panels can help maximize light absorption even in foggy conditions.
Conclusion
While Edgecomb's location presents some challenges, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation. With proper planning and installation techniques, a solar PV system can provide significant energy output, especially during the spring and summer months.
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 Edgecomb
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.9796, Longitude: -69.6208 (Edgecomb, 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 38° South in Edgecomb, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Edgecomb, United States (Lat/Long 43.9796, -69.6208) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Edgecomb, 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 Edgecomb, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 58° South in Winter | 37° 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 Edgecomb, 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 Edgecomb, 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 Edgecomb, United States
The topography around Edgecomb, Maine, in the United States is characterized by a mix of coastal and inland features typical of the New England region. Edgecomb itself is located on a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides. The Sheepscot River flows along its eastern border, while the Damariscotta River forms its western boundary. To the south, the peninsula opens up to the Atlantic Ocean.
The landscape in and around Edgecomb is generally hilly, with elevations ranging from sea level along the coast to about 200-300 feet above sea level inland. The terrain is a result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which left behind a mix of rocky outcrops, rolling hills, and small valleys. The area also features numerous small streams and ponds scattered throughout the landscape.
The region is heavily forested, with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees covering much of the land not used for agriculture or development. The coastline is characterized by rocky shores, small beaches, and numerous inlets and coves.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, there are a few factors to consider:
- Open spaces: Large, flat or gently sloping areas with minimal tree cover would be ideal. These might be found in former agricultural lands or cleared areas inland from the coast.
- Southern exposure: Areas with unobstructed southern exposure would receive the most sunlight throughout the day, making them more efficient for solar energy production.
- Proximity to infrastructure: Locations near existing power lines and roads would be more practical for connecting to the grid and maintaining the solar installations.
- Minimal environmental impact: Areas that are not ecologically sensitive or prime agricultural land would be preferable to minimize environmental concerns.
Given these considerations, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would likely be found inland from Edgecomb, away from the immediate coastal areas. The hilly terrain inland may offer some south-facing slopes that could be ideal for solar panels. However, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations, taking into account local zoning regulations, land ownership, and environmental factors.
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 17th 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.
