Solar PV Analysis of Scottsville, United States
Scottsville, New York, is a location that can generate energy via solar PV year-round but with varying efficiency. During the summer and spring seasons, it's more ideal due to higher electricity output of 5.99kWh/day and 5.23kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar. In contrast, autumn and winter are less effective with lower outputs at 2.99kWh/day and 1.62kWh/day respectively.
To maximize the total amount of energy produced throughout the year from solar panels placed here, they should be installed at an angle tilting towards the south by 36 degrees.
However, there could be factors in Scottsville that might affect how much energy you can get from your solar panels:
1) Weather: Being in the Northern Temperate Zone means this area experiences all four seasons - including snowy winters which could cover panels reducing their effectiveness.
2) Environmental: Large trees or buildings may cast shadows over your panels for part of the day reducing their sunlight exposure.
3) Local Factors: Any local regulations or codes regarding installation height or placement could also impact your ability to maximize sun exposure.
Preventative measures to ensure greater energy production include:
1) Regular Maintenance: This will keep your panels clear of snow during winter months so they remain exposed to sunlight as much as possible.
2) Strategic Placement: Positioning your solar array where it won't be shaded by nearby trees or buildings will help increase its productivity.
3) Compliance with Local Regulations: Ensuring you're aware of any local restrictions on panel placement before installation can save potential future headaches and inefficiencies caused by needing to relocate them later on.
Remember these are general suggestions; always consult with a professional when considering installing a solar power system!
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 Scottsville
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.0232, Longitude: -77.7698 (Scottsville, 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 36° South in Scottsville, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Scottsville, United States (Lat/Long 43.0232, -77.7698) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Scottsville, 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 Scottsville, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° 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 Scottsville, 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 Scottsville, 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 Scottsville, United States
Scottsville, located in the state of New York, United States, is characterized by a generally flat to gently rolling topography. The area is part of the Western Finger Lakes Plains and has an average elevation of about 510 feet above sea level. The region features fertile soil ideal for agriculture with some forested areas.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open and relatively flat areas are most suitable as they facilitate easier installation and maintenance while maximizing exposure to sunlight. Considering this, agricultural lands or cleared lands around Scottsville could be potential sites for solar farms.
However, it's important to note that using agricultural land for solar installations can lead to debates around land use priorities. Therefore, brownfield sites (land previously used for industrial purposes or certain commercial uses) or rooftops of large industrial buildings could also be good alternatives.
Moreover, the efficiency of solar power generation greatly depends on the amount and intensity of sunlight received which varies with geographical location and climate conditions. In Scottsville's case, though it doesn't receive as much sun compared to states like Arizona or California due to its northern location and often cloudy weather conditions; advancements in photovoltaic technology have made it possible for effective energy generation even under less than optimal sunlight conditions.
Before any large-scale implementation can happen though detailed site-specific assessments considering various factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments etc., would need to be carried out by professionals in the field.
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 21st of June 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
