Solar PV Analysis of Laurel, United States
Laurel, Maryland, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at latitude 39.094 and longitude -76.8172, offers a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in energy production reflect the typical pattern for this latitude, with peak performance during the summer months and reduced output during the winter.
In summer, the location experiences its highest solar energy potential, with an average daily output of 6.43 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This makes summer the ideal time for solar energy generation in Laurel. Spring follows closely behind, with a daily average of 5.64 kWh/kW, providing excellent solar potential as well.
Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar energy production, with an average daily output of 3.77 kWh/kW. While this is a significant drop from the summer and spring levels, it still offers moderate potential for solar energy generation. Winter, as expected, has the lowest solar energy output, with an average of 2.26 kWh/kW per day. Despite this reduction, the location still maintains some solar energy potential even during the coldest months.
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Laurel, Maryland, the ideal angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees tilted towards the South. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude, the Earth's elliptical orbit, and seasonal variations in solar elevation to ensure the best overall performance throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Factors
There are a few environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar production in Laurel, Maryland:
- Snow accumulation: During winter months, snowfall can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency by blocking sunlight. To mitigate this, panels can be installed at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off, or snow removal systems can be implemented.
- Tree shading: Laurel has a significant tree population, which could potentially cast shadows on solar panels. Careful site assessment and strategic panel placement can help minimize shading issues. In some cases, selective tree trimming may be necessary.
- Humidity and air pollution: Being near major urban areas like Baltimore and Washington D.C., Laurel may experience periods of increased air pollution and humidity. While not a major concern, these factors can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning of panels can help maintain optimal performance.
Despite these potential challenges, none of these factors are significant enough to severely impede solar production in Laurel. With proper planning and maintenance, solar PV systems in this location can still provide substantial energy generation throughout the year, particularly 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 Laurel
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.094, Longitude: -76.8172 (Laurel, 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 34° South in Laurel, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Laurel, United States (Lat/Long 39.094, -76.8172) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel, United States
The topography around Laurel, Maryland (39.094, -76.8172) is generally characterized by:
1. Gently rolling hills: The area is part of the Piedmont region, which features low, rolling hills and shallow valleys.
2. Relatively low elevation: The elevation in and around Laurel ranges from about 100 to 300 feet (30 to 90 meters) above sea level.
3. River valleys: The Patuxent River runs along the eastern edge of Laurel, creating some lower-lying areas and floodplains.
4. Mixed land use: The region includes urban and suburban development, as well as some agricultural land and forested areas.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be:
1. Open agricultural lands: Flat or gently sloping farmland to the north and west of Laurel could be suitable for solar farms.
2. Former industrial sites or brownfields: These areas often have large, open spaces and are already developed, minimizing environmental impact.
3. Large commercial or institutional rooftops: While not strictly "topography," the numerous warehouses, shopping centers, and government facilities in the region offer potential for large rooftop solar installations.
4. Areas with southern exposure: Gently south-facing slopes would be ideal for maximizing solar energy capture.
5. Locations away from densely forested areas: To minimize tree clearing and environmental impact.
6. Areas near existing electrical infrastructure: This would reduce the cost of connecting to the grid.
Some specific areas to consider might include:
- Open lands near Fort Meade to the northeast
- Agricultural areas around Burtonsville to the northwest
- Former quarry or mining sites in the region
- Large commercial areas along U.S. Route 1 or Interstate 95
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to consider factors beyond just topography, including local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community acceptance.
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: Tuesday 16th of July 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.
