Solar PV Analysis of Petersburg, Virginia, United States
Petersburg, Virginia, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at latitude 37.2128 and longitude -77.477 provides varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Petersburg, with an impressive daily output of 6.68 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.92 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, yielding 4.19 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.59 kWh/day per kW installed.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in this region. However, the relatively strong performance during spring and autumn helps to balance out the yearly energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Petersburg, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the city's latitude and the sun's changing position across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Petersburg's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Snowfall: Winter snowfall can temporarily reduce panel output if snow accumulates on the panels.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences partly cloudy conditions throughout the year, which can intermittently affect solar production.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance and cleaning, especially after snowfall, can help ensure optimal performance.
Despite these challenges, Petersburg's location remains suitable for solar PV installations, with the potential for significant energy generation, particularly from late spring through early fall.
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 Petersburg, Virginia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.2128, Longitude: -77.477 (Petersburg, Virginia, 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 32° South in Petersburg, Virginia, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Petersburg, Virginia, United States (Lat/Long 37.2128, -77.477) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Petersburg, Virginia, 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 Petersburg, Virginia, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 30° 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 Petersburg, Virginia, 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 Petersburg, Virginia, 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 Petersburg, Virginia, United States
The topography around Petersburg, Virginia, located at latitude 37.2128 and longitude -77.477, is generally characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which extends from the Piedmont region in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
The landscape surrounding Petersburg features a mix of low-lying areas and subtle elevations, with occasional small streams and rivers cutting through the terrain. The Appomattox River, a major tributary of the James River, flows through the city and has played a significant role in shaping the local topography over time.
The elevation in and around Petersburg typically ranges from about 20 to 200 feet above sea level, with most of the urban area situated between 50 and 100 feet. This relatively modest variation in elevation contributes to the region's generally mild topography.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideal locations for solar farms typically include:
- Open, flat or gently sloping land with minimal shading from trees or structures
- Areas with good sun exposure, preferably facing south
- Regions with limited environmental sensitivity or agricultural value
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for easy grid connection
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Petersburg would likely be found in the rural regions to the south and east of the city. These areas often feature expansive agricultural fields or former farmland that could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. The relatively flat terrain in these directions, combined with fewer forested areas, makes them promising candidates for solar development.
However, it's important to note that any specific site selection would require detailed environmental assessments, land-use studies, and consultation with local authorities and utility companies to ensure feasibility and compliance with regulations.
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: Saturday 14th 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.
