Solar PV Analysis of Malden, United States
The location in Malden, Massachusetts, United States, which is situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, can be considered as a moderately suitable place for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This is based on the fact that it can generate an average of 5.75 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in Summer and 5.42 kWh/day in Spring per kilowatt of installed solar power. These are the best times to harness solar power at this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
During Autumn and Winter, however, the energy production drops to 3.35 kWh/day and 2.01 kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight.
For optimal year-round production from a fixed panel installation at this location, it's recommended that panels be tilted at an angle of 37 degrees facing South. This position helps maximize exposure to sunlight throughout different seasons.
As for local factors that might impede solar production at this location, one needs to consider environmental aspects like weather patterns including cloud cover or snowfall which could reduce exposure to sunlight hence reducing energy generation potential. Topographical features such as tall buildings or trees could also cast shadows over the panels thereby reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these impediments when installing a solar PV system:
1) It would be beneficial to install panels on rooftops with minimal shadowing from nearby structures or vegetation.
2) Regular maintenance should include cleaning off any snow accumulation during winter months.
3) If possible, adjustable tilt installations could be used so that panel angles can be changed according to seasonal sun positions for maximum efficiency.
4) Using modern PV systems with higher efficiencies may also help compensate for lower light conditions during certain periods of the year.
In conclusion: While not ideal all year round due its geographical position resulting in lower light availability during Autumn and Winter months; with proper installation techniques considering local topography & weather, and regular maintenance, Malden can still be a viable location for solar energy production.
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 Malden
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.428, Longitude: -71.0618 (Malden, 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 37° South in Malden, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Malden, United States (Lat/Long 42.428, -71.0618) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Malden, 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 Malden, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 35° 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 Malden, 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 Malden, 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 Malden, United States
Malden, United States is located in the state of Massachusetts and is part of the Greater Boston area. The topography around Malden is relatively flat with some minor hills, making it suitable for solar PV installations. The area also has a mix of urban and suburban development.
For large-scale solar PV installations, areas with open spaces such as farmlands or industrial zones would be most suitable. Nearby areas like Saugus to the north and Revere to the east have larger open spaces that could potentially accommodate large-scale solar PV installations.
However, it's important to note that suitability for solar PV isn't just about topography. It also depends on factors like local climate (sunlight hours), land use regulations, availability of grid infrastructure for power distribution, etc.
As Massachusetts has been supportive of renewable energy projects in general with favorable policies and incentives, there could be potential opportunities for large-scale solar projects around Malden or other parts of the state. However, specific feasibility studies would need to be conducted taking into account all relevant factors.
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: Wednesday 31st of January 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.
