Solar PV Analysis of Salem, Virginia, United States
Salem, Virginia, located in the United States, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which directly impact the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Salem varies significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.58 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.71 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.14 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.32 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Salem's solar potential is strongest from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the substantial drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed-panel installations in Salem, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Salem's location is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Seasonal weather patterns: Salem experiences occasional snowfall in winter, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning and the use of snow-shedding technologies can mitigate this issue.
- Tree coverage: The surrounding area may have dense vegetation. Careful site selection and tree trimming can help minimize shading on solar panels.
To enhance solar production in Salem, consider implementing tracking systems to follow the sun's path, using high-efficiency panels to maximize output during less ideal conditions, and ensuring proper maintenance to keep panels clean and functioning optimally.
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 Salem, Virginia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.2849, Longitude: -80.0701 (Salem, Virginia, 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 32° South in Salem, Virginia, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Salem, Virginia, United States (Lat/Long 37.2849, -80.0701) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Salem, Virginia, 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 Salem, Virginia, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 30° 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 Salem, Virginia, 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 Salem, Virginia, 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 Salem, Virginia, United States
The area around Salem, Virginia (located at 37.2849°N, 80.0701°W) is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. Salem sits in the Roanoke Valley, which is part of the larger Ridge and Valley region of the Appalachian Mountains. This region is known for its long, parallel ridges and valleys that run in a northeast-southwest direction.
The city of Salem itself is situated on relatively flat land, with an average elevation of about 1,000 feet above sea level. However, the surrounding landscape quickly becomes more varied and dramatic. To the north and west of Salem, you'll find the Blue Ridge Mountains, which rise to elevations of over 3,000 feet. These mountains create a stunning backdrop and offer numerous recreational opportunities.
To the south and east of Salem, the terrain is generally more rolling, with a mix of hills, small valleys, and streams. The Roanoke River flows through the area, adding to the region's natural beauty and providing important water resources.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Ideal locations for solar farms typically have the following characteristics:
- Flat or gently sloping land
- Minimal shading from trees or mountains
- Good access to existing power infrastructure
- Away from densely populated areas
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Salem would likely be found in the more open, flatter portions of the Roanoke Valley. Areas to the east and southeast of Salem, where the terrain becomes less mountainous, might offer good potential. Specifically, rural areas in Roanoke County or neighboring Bedford and Franklin Counties could provide suitable sites.
However, it's important to note that the mountainous terrain and forested areas prevalent in this region may limit the availability of ideal locations for very large solar farms. Smaller-scale installations or creative use of available land might be more practical in this topographically diverse area. Any potential solar project would require detailed site-specific assessments to determine its feasibility and environmental impact.
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.
