Solar PV Analysis of Perry, United States
Perry, Maine, located in the Northern Temperate Zone of the United States, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation. While the location offers decent potential during certain seasons, it faces significant challenges in others.
The summer months provide the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with an average daily output of 5.96 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.45 kWh per day. These seasons offer ample sunlight and longer daylight hours, making them ideal for maximizing solar energy production.
However, the picture changes dramatically during autumn and winter. Autumn sees a considerable drop in energy output, with an average of 3.27 kWh per day. Winter presents the biggest challenge, with production plummeting to a mere 1.99 kWh per day. This significant seasonal variation highlights the limitations of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Perry, Maine, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 39 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Several factors can impede solar production in Perry, Maine:
- Snow accumulation: The region experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can cover solar panels and reduce efficiency.
- Cloud cover: Frequent cloudy days, especially in autumn and winter, can diminish solar energy production.
- Short winter days: The location's northern latitude results in fewer daylight hours during winter months.
To mitigate these challenges, consider the following preventative measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
- Use snow-shedding coatings on panels
- Implement a regular panel cleaning schedule
- Consider a hybrid system combining solar with other renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply year-round
While Perry, Maine, offers good solar potential during spring and summer, the significant drop in production during autumn and winter means that relying solely on solar energy year-round may not be ideal. A comprehensive energy strategy incorporating other renewable sources could help overcome these seasonal limitations.
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 Perry
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.9911, Longitude: -67.0945 (Perry, 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 39° South in Perry, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Perry, United States (Lat/Long 44.9911, -67.0945) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Perry, 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 Perry, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29° South in Summer | 49° South in Autumn | 59° South in Winter | 38° 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 Perry, 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 Perry, 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 Perry, United States
The area around Perry, United States, located at latitude 44.9911 and longitude -67.0945, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of coastal Maine. This region is part of the Downeast Maine coastal area, known for its rugged beauty and varied landscape.
The terrain in and around Perry features a mix of gently rolling hills, small valleys, and relatively flat coastal plains. As you move inland from the coast, the land gradually rises, creating a series of low hills and ridges. These elevations are generally modest, rarely exceeding a few hundred feet above sea level. The area is also dotted with numerous small streams, ponds, and wetlands, which contribute to its scenic appeal and ecological diversity.
The coastline near Perry is characterized by rocky shores, small bays, and inlets. This jagged shoreline is a defining feature of the region, creating a complex boundary between land and sea. The nearby Passamaquoddy Bay and Cobscook Bay further contribute to the area's coastal character, with their tidal flats and protected waters.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the topography presents both opportunities and challenges. The most suitable locations for solar farms would likely be found on the relatively flat coastal plains or on the gentler slopes of inland hills. These areas would provide the necessary space and sun exposure for efficient solar energy production.
Ideal sites for solar PV installations would have the following characteristics:
- Open, unobstructed land with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- South-facing slopes or flat areas for optimal sun exposure
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for easier grid connection
- Areas with lower ecological sensitivity to minimize environmental impact
Some of the more promising locations for large-scale solar projects might be found in the cleared agricultural lands or former industrial sites in the region. These areas often provide the necessary space and are already developed, reducing potential conflicts with natural habitats or scenic preservation efforts.
However, it's important to note that the region's climate, characterized by long, cold winters and relatively short summers, may present challenges for solar energy production. Additionally, the area's natural beauty and ecological importance mean that any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned and implemented to balance energy production with environmental conservation and community interests.
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 14th 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.
