Hershey, Pennsylvania, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Hershey, with an impressive daily output of 6.07 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.31 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn (3.33 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (2.04 kWh/day).

These figures indicate that Hershey's location is moderately favorable for solar energy production, with peak performance occurring from late spring through early fall. The substantial difference between summer and winter outputs highlights the need for careful system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply year-round.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed-panel installations in Hershey, 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, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Hershey's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental and weather factors that could impact system performance:

1. Snowfall: Hershey experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular snow removal from panels is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
2. Cloud cover: The region sees a fair amount of cloudy days, particularly in winter and early spring. This can reduce solar energy production, emphasizing the importance of using high-efficiency panels.

To mitigate these factors, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to facilitate snow sliding off and using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from clouds or snow. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the panels will help ensure consistent performance throughout the year.

In conclusion, while Hershey's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it remains a viable option with proper system design and maintenance practices in place.

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 Hershey

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.2859, Longitude: -76.6502 (Hershey, 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 Hershey, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hershey, United States (Lat/Long 40.2859, -76.6502) 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 Hershey, 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 Hershey, 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	44° South in Autumn	55° 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 Hershey, 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 Hershey, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Hershey, United States

The area surrounding Hershey, Pennsylvania, is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region. This picturesque landscape features a mix of farmland, wooded areas, and suburban developments. The terrain is generally mild, with elevations ranging from about 350 to 700 feet above sea level. The Swatara Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, meanders through the region, creating scenic valleys and floodplains. To the north and west of Hershey, the land gradually rises towards the Blue Mountain ridge, while to the south and east, the topography becomes slightly flatter as it approaches the Susquehanna River valley.

Solar PV Potential

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure and minimal shading from trees or structures. The agricultural areas to the east and southeast of Hershey present promising opportunities for solar development. These regions feature expansive farmlands with open fields that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. The generally flat terrain in this direction would simplify installation and reduce costs associated with land preparation. Another potential area for solar PV development lies to the south and southwest of Hershey. This region includes a mix of farmland and former industrial sites that could be repurposed for renewable energy production. The slightly elevated areas in this direction may offer advantages in terms of reduced shading and improved solar exposure. It's important to note that while the topography around Hershey is generally favorable for solar PV, specific site assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations. Factors such as proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in identifying the best areas for large-scale solar installations.

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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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.