Solar PV Analysis of Mattituck, United States
Mattituck, New York, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar energy production throughout the year. The location's potential for solar power generation varies significantly across seasons, with peak performance during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.27 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.80 kWh per day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, yielding 3.67 kWh daily. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.14 kWh per day, primarily due to shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Mattituck, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 35-degree angle facing south. This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Mattituck's location is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Coastal location may expose panels to salt spray, potentially affecting longevity
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and using corrosion-resistant materials. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
Overall, Mattituck provides a suitable location for solar PV installations, with strong potential during spring and summer months. While winter production is lower, the site's year-round viability makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking to harness renewable energy in this New York locale.
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 Mattituck
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.9956, Longitude: -72.5403 (Mattituck, 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 Mattituck, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mattituck, United States (Lat/Long 40.9956, -72.5403) 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 Mattituck, 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 Mattituck, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Mattituck, 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 Mattituck, 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 Mattituck, United States
Mattituck, located on the North Fork of Long Island in New York, is characterized by a relatively flat topography typical of coastal areas. The landscape around Mattituck is primarily composed of gently rolling hills and low-lying plains, with elevations generally ranging from sea level to about 50 feet above sea level.
The area surrounding Mattituck features a mix of agricultural land, vineyards, and small patches of woodland. To the north, you'll find the Long Island Sound, with its sandy beaches and small bluffs. To the south, the Peconic Bay separates the North Fork from the South Fork of Long Island. The coastline is dotted with small inlets, creeks, and marshlands, contributing to the area's diverse ecosystem.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
- Open, flat terrain with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Good sun exposure throughout the day
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure
- Land that is not prime agricultural soil or ecologically sensitive
Given these criteria, the areas best suited for large-scale solar PV near Mattituck would likely be found inland, away from the immediate coastline. The agricultural areas to the south and east of Mattituck, particularly those that are less productive or fallow, could be potential candidates. These areas often have large, open fields with good sun exposure and relatively flat terrain.
However, it's important to note that the North Fork of Long Island is known for its vineyards and farms, which are crucial to the local economy and culture. Any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully balanced with preserving the agricultural character of the region and protecting valuable farmland.
Additionally, some of the less densely forested areas inland might be suitable, provided they are not ecologically sensitive or protected lands. These locations would need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as soil quality, wildlife habitats, and local zoning regulations.
Ultimately, the most appropriate sites for large-scale solar PV near Mattituck would require detailed environmental and feasibility studies, as well as engagement with local communities and authorities to ensure that any development aligns with the region's broader goals and values.
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 13th 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.
