Solar PV Analysis of Freeport, United States
Freeport, New York, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (40.6505, -73.5832) contribute to varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Freeport peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 6.15 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.69 kWh/day. Autumn sees a significant decrease in production, averaging 3.69 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.20 kWh/day.
The most ideal times for solar generation in Freeport are from late spring through early fall, typically May through September. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Freeport, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Freeport's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some factors that could impact production:
- Snowfall: Winter accumulation can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
- Coastal weather: Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean may lead to increased cloud cover and occasional severe weather events.
To mitigate these factors, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding, using durable, weather-resistant materials, and implementing a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule. Additionally, incorporating a battery storage system can help balance energy availability during periods of lower production.
Overall, while Freeport experiences seasonal fluctuations in solar productivity, its location still provides a viable opportunity for solar energy generation, especially when proper installation techniques and maintenance practices are employed.
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 Freeport
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.6505, Longitude: -73.5832 (Freeport, 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 Freeport, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Freeport, United States (Lat/Long 40.6505, -73.5832) 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 Freeport, 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 Freeport, 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 | 45° South in Autumn | 56° 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 Freeport, 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 Freeport, 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 Freeport, United States
The area around Freeport, located on the south shore of Long Island in New York, has a relatively flat topography typical of coastal regions. Freeport itself is situated on a low-lying coastal plain, with elevations generally ranging from sea level to just a few feet above it. The terrain is characterized by sandy beaches, salt marshes, and shallow bays along the coastline.
Moving slightly inland from Freeport, the landscape remains predominantly flat, with only gentle slopes and minor undulations. This area is part of the larger Long Island coastal plain, which extends across much of the southern portion of the island. The flatness of the terrain is a result of glacial activity during the last ice age, which left behind deposits of sand and gravel that formed the island's foundation.
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. The immediate coastal areas, including Freeport itself, may not be ideal due to the risk of flooding and storm surges. Additionally, the presence of wetlands and protected coastal habitats could limit available space for solar installations.
2. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found slightly inland, where there is more open space and less environmental sensitivity. The flat terrain of central and eastern Long Island could provide good opportunities for solar farms.
3. Specifically, areas to the north and east of Freeport, such as the more rural parts of Suffolk County, might offer better potential for large-scale solar installations. These regions have more available land, fewer dense urban developments, and are still close enough to population centers to make power distribution feasible.
4. Former agricultural lands or brownfield sites in Nassau and Suffolk counties could also be repurposed for solar energy production, providing a balance between land use and renewable energy development.
It's important to note that while the topography of Long Island is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning laws, grid infrastructure, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the region.
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: Thursday 22nd of August 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.
