Solar PV Analysis of Sodus, United States
Sodus, New York, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.99 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.23 kWh/day. However, the output drops considerably during autumn, yielding 2.99 kWh/day, and plummets to a mere 1.62 kWh/day in winter.
These figures highlight that Sodus experiences peak solar production during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early fall. This period offers the most favorable conditions for harnessing solar energy, with longer daylight hours and typically clearer skies.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Sodus, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best overall performance throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Sodus faces some challenges that could impact solar energy production: 1. Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency. 2. Cloudy weather, particularly common in autumn and winter, may decrease solar output.
To mitigate these issues, consider the following preventative measures: 1. Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off. 2. Use snow-shedding coatings on panels. 3. Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially after snowfall. 4. Choose high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions.
While Sodus may not be ideal for year-round solar production due to its seasonal variations, proper planning and installation techniques can help maximize energy generation during peak periods and mitigate the impact of challenging weather conditions.
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 Sodus
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.2216, Longitude: -77.0484 (Sodus, 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 37° South in Sodus, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sodus, United States (Lat/Long 43.2216, -77.0484) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Sodus, 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 Sodus, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° 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 | 36° 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 Sodus, 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 Sodus, 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 Sodus, United States
The area around Sodus, located in Wayne County, New York, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Great Lakes region. This part of upstate New York sits near the southern shore of Lake Ontario, which influences its topography and climate.
The landscape is primarily composed of low hills and shallow valleys, with elevations generally ranging from about 250 to 500 feet above sea level. The terrain gradually slopes upward as you move south from Lake Ontario. This gentle rise is part of the larger Lake Ontario Plain, which extends inland for several miles before transitioning to more pronounced hills further south.
Sodus itself is situated on slightly higher ground compared to its immediate surroundings, offering some pleasant views of the nearby countryside. The area features a mix of agricultural land, orchards, and patches of woodland, creating a diverse and picturesque landscape.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors make certain nearby locations potentially favorable:
1. The relatively flat or gently sloping farmland south of Sodus could be well-suited for solar farms. These areas often have large, open spaces with minimal shading from trees or buildings, which is ideal for maximizing solar exposure.
2. Slightly elevated areas, such as the low ridges found in the region, might offer advantages for solar installations. These locations can sometimes have better exposure to sunlight throughout the day and may be less prone to morning fog or mist that can occur near the lakeshore.
3. Former agricultural lands or fallow fields that are no longer in active use could be repurposed for solar energy production. These areas often have the necessary infrastructure, such as access roads, already in place.
4. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable, other factors such as local zoning laws, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects in the Sodus area.
Overall, the gently undulating landscape around Sodus provides numerous potential sites for solar PV development, particularly in the rural areas south and southeast of the town where large, open spaces are more prevalent.
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 7th 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.
