Shelburne, Vermont, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's potential for solar energy production varies significantly across seasons, reflecting the region's distinct climate patterns.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Shelburne, with an impressive daily output of 5.59 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.02 kWh/day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy generation, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies.

However, the picture changes dramatically during the colder months. Autumn sees a significant drop in production to 2.78 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.72 kWh/day. This substantial seasonal variation highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar energy in this location year-round.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Shelburne, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 38 degrees facing south. This optimal angle helps to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors can impact solar production in Shelburne:

1. Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
2. Frequent cloud cover, especially in winter and autumn, can limit solar exposure.
3. Short winter days reduce the overall time available for solar energy generation.

Mitigating Factors

To address these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider the following measures:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off.
• Use high-efficiency panels to maximize production during limited sunlight periods.
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall.
• Consider a ground-mounted system for easier access and maintenance.

While Shelburne's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper installation techniques and maintenance can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this area.

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 3041 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 Shelburne

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.3806, Longitude: -73.2276 (Shelburne, 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 38° South in Shelburne, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shelburne, United States (Lat/Long 44.3806, -73.2276) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Shelburne, 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 Shelburne, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
28° South in Summer	48° South in Autumn	59° South in Winter	37° 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 Shelburne, 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 Shelburne, 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 Shelburne, United States

The topography around Shelburne, United States, located at 44.3806°N latitude and 73.2276°W longitude, is characterized by a diverse landscape that reflects its position near the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. This area is part of the Champlain Valley, which is nestled between the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. The terrain in and around Shelburne is generally rolling and gently undulating, with some areas of flat land, particularly closer to the lakeshore. The elevation gradually increases as you move away from Lake Champlain, with small hills and ridges becoming more prominent. These features create a picturesque setting that combines agricultural land, forested areas, and water views. Several small streams and creeks flow through the region, carving shallow valleys and contributing to the varied topography. The shoreline of Lake Champlain adds another dimension to the landscape, with some areas featuring rocky outcrops and others boasting sandy beaches.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Shelburne, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would typically be: Open, flat agricultural land: The gently rolling farmland in the Champlain Valley provides excellent opportunities for solar development. These areas often have minimal shading from trees or buildings and offer large, contiguous spaces for panel installation. South-facing slopes: While much of the terrain is relatively flat, some of the gentle hillsides with a southern exposure could be ideal for solar arrays. These locations can maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day. Former industrial or commercial sites: Any brownfield sites or unused commercial properties in the region could be repurposed for solar installations, making efficient use of already-developed land. Areas away from sensitive habitats: It's important to consider the ecological impact of large-scale solar projects. Sites that are not critical wildlife habitats or important wetlands would be preferable. Locations with existing grid infrastructure: Areas close to existing power lines and substations would be more cost-effective for connecting large solar installations to the electrical grid. While Shelburne itself may have limited space for very large solar farms due to its proximity to Lake Champlain and existing development, the surrounding rural areas in Chittenden County and neighboring counties could offer more extensive opportunities for solar PV development. However, any large-scale solar project would need to balance energy production goals with preserving the scenic beauty and agricultural heritage of the Champlain Valley region.

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.