Portsmouth, Virginia, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a relatively favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at latitude 36.8721 and longitude -76.3885 provides a good balance of sunlight exposure across the seasons.

Solar energy production in Portsmouth varies significantly between seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.53 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.09 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production, yielding 4.28 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 2.65 kWh/day, reflecting shorter days and less direct sunlight.

Optimal Solar Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Portsmouth, 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.

Seasonal Considerations

The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Portsmouth are late spring, summer, and early autumn. During these periods, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar output. However, even during the less productive winter months, the panels can still generate a significant amount of energy, especially on clear days.

Environmental and Weather Factors

While Portsmouth's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact efficiency:

1. Coastal Weather: Being close to the Atlantic coast, Portsmouth can experience occasional severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms. These events may temporarily reduce solar output and potentially damage poorly secured installations.
2. Humidity: The area's relatively high humidity levels can lead to increased dust accumulation on panels, slightly reducing efficiency over time.

To mitigate these factors, solar installations in Portsmouth should incorporate robust mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help combat the effects of humidity and dust accumulation. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant components can ensure longevity and consistent performance of the solar PV system in this coastal environment.

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 Portsmouth, Virginia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.8721, Longitude: -76.3885 (Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, Virginia, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States (Lat/Long 36.8721, -76.3885) 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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	52° 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, Virginia, 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 Portsmouth, Virginia, United States

The topography around Portsmouth, United States, located at latitude 36.8721 and longitude -76.3885, is characterized by its coastal lowland features. This area is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which is generally flat with very little elevation change. The landscape is dominated by low-lying terrain, with an average elevation of only a few meters above sea level. Portsmouth and its surrounding areas are situated near the mouth of the Elizabeth River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The region is interspersed with numerous waterways, including rivers, creeks, and tidal estuaries. These water features contribute to the area's relatively flat topography and create a network of wetlands and marshes. The land in and around Portsmouth is primarily composed of sedimentary deposits, including sand, silt, and clay. This geological composition results in generally poor drainage and a high water table, which can lead to periodic flooding in some areas. The terrain is mostly level, with only subtle variations in elevation across the landscape.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the region is generally favorable for solar farms, as it reduces the need for extensive land preparation and allows for easier installation of solar panels. Areas to the west and southwest of Portsmouth, moving inland away from the coast, may offer better opportunities for large-scale solar PV projects. These locations typically have less urban development and more open land that could potentially be utilized for solar farms. The counties of Suffolk, Isle of Wight, and Southampton might provide suitable sites for such installations. However, it's important to note that the region's susceptibility to flooding and high water table could pose challenges for solar farm development. Ideal locations would be on slightly elevated ground, away from flood-prone areas and wetlands. Additionally, areas with minimal tree cover and maximum sun exposure would be preferable for optimal solar energy production. Another consideration is the proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. Areas near power substations or transmission lines could be advantageous for connecting large-scale solar installations to the grid. The western parts of Chesapeake and the rural areas of Virginia Beach might also offer potential sites that balance the need for open space with access to necessary infrastructure. While the coastal location of Portsmouth and its immediate surroundings may not be ideal for large-scale solar PV due to land constraints and environmental sensitivities, the broader region does offer opportunities for solar energy development. Careful site selection and environmental impact assessments would be crucial in identifying the most suitable locations for such projects in the area.

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.