Solar PV Analysis of Milton, United States
Milton, Massachusetts, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Milton, with an impressive daily output of 5.75 kWh per kW of installed solar. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.42 kWh/day. These seasons provide ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production.
Autumn sees a notable decrease in solar output, with 3.35 kWh/day. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with production dropping to just 2.01 kWh/day per kW installed. This significant seasonal variation highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply throughout the year.
Optimal Panel Positioning
For fixed panel installations in Milton, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 37 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.
Environmental Considerations
While Milton's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Tree coverage and shading from nearby buildings may impact some installations
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow shedding, and conduct a thorough site assessment to minimize shading effects. Regular maintenance, including snow removal when necessary, can help maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, while Milton experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, it remains a viable location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and system design, residents can effectively harness solar energy throughout the year, with peak production occurring 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 Milton
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.2518, Longitude: -71.0805 (Milton, 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 Milton, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Milton, United States (Lat/Long 42.2518, -71.0805) 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 Milton, 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 Milton, 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 Milton, 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 Milton, 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 Milton, United States
The area around Milton, Massachusetts (located at 42.2518°N, 71.0805°W) is characterized by a diverse topography typical of the New England region. The landscape is a mix of gently rolling hills, small valleys, and some relatively flat areas. Milton itself is situated at the base of the Blue Hills, a prominent geological feature in the region.
To the north and west of Milton, the terrain becomes more urbanized as it approaches Boston and its surrounding suburbs. This area is generally flatter, with some low hills interspersed throughout. To the south and east, the landscape becomes more rural and hilly, with the Blue Hills Reservation dominating the southern portion of Milton.
The Blue Hills rise to an elevation of about 635 feet (194 meters) at their highest point, Great Blue Hill. This creates a significant change in elevation from the surrounding lowlands, which are generally less than 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level. The hills are composed of resistant rock that has withstood erosion over millions of years, resulting in their prominence in the otherwise relatively flat coastal plain.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. The ideal locations would be relatively flat areas with good sun exposure throughout the day. Some of the more level terrain to the north and west of Milton could potentially be suitable, particularly in less developed areas.
2. The tops of some of the hills in the Blue Hills Reservation might offer good sun exposure, but environmental and recreational considerations would likely make these areas off-limits for large-scale solar installations.
3. Former industrial sites or brownfields in the broader region around Milton could be good candidates for solar PV installations, as they often provide large, flat areas with existing infrastructure connections.
4. Some of the more rural areas to the south and southwest of Milton, where there are larger tracts of open land, might also be suitable for solar farms, provided they meet other criteria such as proximity to the electrical grid and local zoning regulations.
It's important to note that while the topography is a crucial factor in determining suitable locations for solar PV installations, other considerations such as land use regulations, proximity to power infrastructure, and environmental impact assessments would also play significant roles in the final site selection process.
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 20th 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.
