Solar PV Analysis of Matawan, United States
Matawan, New Jersey, United States, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, has varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. During the summer months, one can expect to generate about 6.05 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This is relatively high and makes summer an ideal time for generating solar energy at this location.
In autumn and spring, the energy production decreases to 3.54 kWh/day and 5.47 kWh/day per kW of installed solar respectively. While these figures are lower than in summer, they still represent a good opportunity for harnessing solar power.
Winter sees the least amount of sunlight with only 2.18 kWh/day per kW of installed solar expected to be generated which makes it less ideal compared to other seasons.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 35 degrees towards South maximises total year-round production from your Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system as it allows them to capture more sunlight especially during winter when sun is low on horizon.
As far as local factors that could potentially impede solar production are concerned; Matawan experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mildly cold winters which might affect efficiency of PV panels due to overheating or snow accumulation respectively but these effects are not very significant typically.
However certain preventative measures can be taken such as installing cooling mechanisms or using heat-resistant materials during installation process in summers while ensuring proper snow clearance systems or heating elements are in place during winters to maintain optimal operation conditions thereby ensuring greater energy production year-round.
It's also important to consider topographical factors like trees or buildings causing shade on your panels which would reduce their output significantly so careful site selection and possibly trimming obstructive foliage would be beneficial.
Overall though Matawan does seem like a decent location for Solar PV installation given its seasonal variation in 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 Matawan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.4131, Longitude: -74.2372 (Matawan, 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 Matawan, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Matawan, United States (Lat/Long 40.4131, -74.2372) 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 Matawan, 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 Matawan, 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 | 45° 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 Matawan, 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 Matawan, 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 Matawan, United States
Matawan is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. The topography of this region is primarily flat or gently rolling terrain with some low-lying areas. It's part of the Atlantic coastal plain with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 300 feet above sea level.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open and flat regions are ideal as they allow for easier installation and maintenance while maximizing sunlight exposure. In the Matawan area, agricultural lands or other open spaces could be suitable for such installations. However, it's important to consider other factors like local zoning laws, proximity to power grids for transmission and potential impact on local ecosystems before deciding on a location.
Additionally, rooftops of large commercial buildings or parking lots in urban areas can also be used for installing solar panels. This not only utilizes existing structures but also reduces transmission costs as the generated power can be used locally.
In terms of sun exposure, New Jersey gets a decent amount of sunshine throughout the year making it suitable for solar energy generation. However, it might not be as efficient as states in the southwest that receive more intense and consistent sunlight year-round.
It's recommended to conduct a detailed feasibility study taking into account all these factors before deciding on a location for large-scale solar PV 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 10th of February 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
