Solar PV Analysis of Stephenson, United States
Stephenson, Virginia, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's solar productivity varies significantly across seasons, presenting both opportunities and challenges for solar PV installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels in Stephenson perform best during the summer months, producing an average of 6.19 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely, with a daily output of 5.40 kWh/kW. However, production drops considerably in autumn (3.61 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (2.20 kWh/day).
This seasonal variation indicates that Stephenson experiences significant fluctuations in solar potential throughout the year. While summer and spring offer excellent conditions for solar energy generation, the substantial decrease in autumn and winter output may necessitate additional energy sources or storage solutions to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar production in Stephenson, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Stephenson's location in the Northern Temperate Zone means it experiences all four seasons, which can impact solar production. Snowfall in winter may temporarily reduce panel efficiency, while cloudy days in autumn can lead to decreased output. To mitigate these effects, consider the following measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off
- Use anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in low-light conditions
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove debris and maximize efficiency
While Stephenson's climate doesn't present extreme challenges for solar production, being prepared for seasonal variations and implementing appropriate maintenance practices will help ensure optimal energy generation throughout the year.
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 Stephenson
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.2373, Longitude: -78.1064 (Stephenson, 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 34° South in Stephenson, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Stephenson, United States (Lat/Long 39.2373, -78.1064) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Stephenson, 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 Stephenson, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° 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 Stephenson, 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 Stephenson, 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 Stephenson, United States
The area around Stephenson, United States, located at latitude 39.2373 and longitude -78.1064, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the northern Shenandoah Valley region in Virginia. This area is situated in the eastern part of Frederick County, nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.
The landscape around Stephenson features gently rolling hills and valleys, with elevations ranging from about 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The terrain is a mix of open fields, farmland, and patches of deciduous forests. Several small streams and creeks crisscross the area, eventually feeding into larger water bodies like the Shenandoah River.
To the east of Stephenson, the land gradually rises towards the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic views and more rugged terrain. To the west, the topography becomes slightly flatter as it approaches the Shenandoah Valley floor. This variation in elevation creates a diverse ecosystem and contributes to the region's natural beauty.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good sun exposure throughout the day. Open fields or former agricultural lands that are not currently in use would be prime candidates for solar development.
Some of the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Stephenson might include:
- The open farmlands to the west and southwest of Stephenson, where the terrain is flatter and there are fewer obstructions to sunlight.
- Cleared areas on the lower slopes of nearby hills, particularly those facing south or southwest for optimal sun exposure.
- Former industrial or commercial sites that are no longer in use, as these often have large, flat areas ideal for solar panel installation.
- Portions of unused or underutilized agricultural land that farmers might be willing to lease or sell for solar development.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to undergo thorough environmental and zoning assessments, as well as consider the impact on local communities and wildlife habitats. The suitability of specific sites would ultimately depend on a combination of factors including topography, existing land use, proximity to power infrastructure, and local regulations.
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: Wednesday 9th of October 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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