Solar PV Analysis of Camden, New Jersey, United States
Camden, New Jersey, located in the United States at latitude 39.9499 and longitude -75.088, offers variable potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Being in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences distinct seasonal differences in solar production capability.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar panels in Camden demonstrate significant seasonal variation in energy output. Summer stands out as the most productive season, generating approximately 6.45 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.58 kWh daily output per kilowatt installed.
Production declines considerably during autumn, with panels generating about 3.73 kWh per day per kilowatt installed. Winter represents the lowest production period, with only 2.25 kWh per day per kilowatt of capacity—nearly two-thirds less than summer production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed solar panel installations in Camden, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 34 degrees facing South. This specific angle optimizes the panels' ability to capture sunlight throughout the changing seasons, balancing the higher summer sun with the lower winter sun position.
Environmental Considerations
Several environmental factors in Camden may affect solar production. Snow accumulation during winter months can temporarily reduce output by blocking sunlight from reaching the panels. Installing panels at the recommended 34-degree tilt helps facilitate natural snow shedding, while periodic clearing may be necessary during heavy snowfall events.
Camden's proximity to industrial areas and urban pollution may lead to dust and particulate accumulation on panels, gradually reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning maintenance (typically 2-4 times annually) can mitigate this issue.
Additionally, the region experiences occasional severe weather including thunderstorms and infrequent hurricane remnants that may bring hail or high winds. Using impact-resistant panels and proper mounting systems designed to withstand local wind loads can provide protection against these weather events.
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 Camden, New Jersey
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.9499, Longitude: -75.088 (Camden, New Jersey, 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 Camden, New Jersey, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Camden, New Jersey, United States (Lat/Long 39.9499, -75.088) 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 Camden, New Jersey, 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 Camden, New Jersey, 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 | 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 Camden, New Jersey, 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 Camden, New Jersey, 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 Camden, New Jersey, United States
Camden, located in New Jersey along the Delaware River directly across from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, features a primarily urban topography with relatively flat terrain. This area sits within the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province, characterized by low elevation and minimal relief. The landscape around Camden generally ranges from sea level to approximately 30-40 feet above sea level, with very gradual slopes throughout the region.
The Delaware River forms the western boundary of Camden, creating a significant waterway feature that has historically shaped the development and topography of the area. The surrounding region includes a mix of urban development, industrial areas, suburban communities, and some remaining natural spaces, particularly along waterways and in protected areas.
Surrounding Topographical Features
Moving outward from Camden, the terrain maintains its generally flat character throughout much of southern New Jersey. To the east and southeast, the Pine Barrens present a slightly different topography with sandy soils and pine forests. The coastal plain continues with minimal elevation changes until reaching the Atlantic coast approximately 50 miles east.
To the north and northeast, the land gradually rises toward the Piedmont region, though this transition occurs well beyond Camden itself. The immediate surroundings remain predominantly flat with occasional gentle undulations. Small streams and tributaries have created minor valleys throughout the region, but these represent only slight variations in the otherwise level landscape.
Potential Areas for Solar PV Development
Given the topographical characteristics of the Camden area, several nearby locations present favorable conditions for large-scale solar PV installations. The flat terrain throughout much of southern New Jersey reduces the costs associated with land preparation and maximizes solar exposure consistency across arrays.
Former industrial sites and brownfields in the Camden-Philadelphia metropolitan area offer prime opportunities for solar development. These locations typically feature large, flat parcels with existing grid connections and minimal natural habitat disruption concerns. The New Jersey side of the Delaware River corridor contains numerous such sites that could be repurposed for renewable energy generation.
Rural areas in Gloucester and Salem Counties to the south of Camden present another viable option. These regions maintain the flat topography advantageous for solar development while offering larger contiguous land parcels than the immediate urban area. Agricultural lands in these counties, particularly those with marginal productivity, could support dual-use solar installations that maintain some agricultural activity beneath and between panels.
The Atlantic County region, though slightly more distant from Camden proper, combines favorable flat terrain with proximity to transmission infrastructure serving the Atlantic City area. This eastern region receives consistent solar exposure with minimal topographical obstruction.
It's worth noting that while the topography throughout the region is conducive to solar development, land use considerations, grid capacity, and existing development patterns will likely play more significant roles in determining optimal solar PV locations than will variations in the relatively uniform terrain.
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: Friday 6th of June 2025
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.
