Odenton, Maryland, located in the United States, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 39.0715, -76.6963, this location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy output in Odenton fluctuates significantly across the seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an impressive 6.43 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.64 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.77 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.26 kWh/day.

The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Odenton are from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency and energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Odenton, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental Considerations

While Odenton's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Seasonal snowfall: Winter accumulation can temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
2. Tree coverage: Surrounding vegetation may cast shadows on panels.

To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off, and conduct regular tree trimming to minimize shading. Additionally, using microinverters or power optimizers can help maintain system efficiency even when some panels are partially shaded.

Overall, while Odenton experiences seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can ensure a reliable and efficient solar PV system throughout the year.

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 Odenton

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.0715, Longitude: -76.6963 (Odenton, 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 Odenton, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Odenton, United States (Lat/Long 39.0715, -76.6963) 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 Odenton, 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 Odenton, 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	43° South in Autumn	54° South in Winter	32° 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 Odenton, 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 Odenton, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Odenton, United States

Odenton, located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is situated in a region characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. The area surrounding Odenton is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which extends from the fall line in the west to the Chesapeake Bay in the east. This topography is the result of millions of years of sediment deposition and erosion, creating a landscape of subtle elevation changes and mild slopes. The immediate vicinity of Odenton features a mix of low-lying areas and slight elevations, with altitudes generally ranging from about 50 to 200 feet above sea level. The land is dotted with small streams and creeks that flow towards the Patuxent River to the west or the Severn River to the east. These waterways have carved shallow valleys into the landscape over time, contributing to the area's undulating appearance.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The gently rolling terrain around Odenton offers some advantages for solar development, as it provides opportunities for optimal panel orientation without requiring extensive land modification. Areas to the south and southeast of Odenton might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These locations tend to have more open, cleared land that was previously used for agriculture. The relatively flat nature of these spaces would minimize the need for grading and allow for efficient layout of solar arrays. Additionally, the southern exposure would maximize sunlight capture throughout the day. Another potentially suitable area for large-scale solar PV would be the expanses of land to the west of Odenton, towards Fort Meade. This region features larger tracts of undeveloped or lightly developed land that could accommodate substantial solar installations. The slightly higher elevations in this direction might also provide advantages in terms of reduced shading from surrounding vegetation or structures. It's important to note that while the topography around Odenton is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as land ownership, zoning regulations, and proximity to electrical infrastructure would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects. Environmental considerations, including the presence of wetlands or protected habitats, would need to be carefully evaluated as well.

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!

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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.