Solar PV Analysis of Fairfield, Virginia, United States
Fairfield, Virginia, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal variations in solar output provide insights into its potential for harnessing solar energy.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.71 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.81 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.22 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.55 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Fairfield experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production. The substantial difference between summer and winter outputs suggests that residents and businesses relying on solar power may need to plan for reduced energy availability during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Placement
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Fairfield, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Fairfield's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Winter accumulation can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Regular snow removal or the installation of panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue.
- Tree coverage: The area's vegetation might cast shadows on panels. Careful site selection and periodic tree trimming can maximize sun exposure.
To ensure optimal energy production, it's advisable to conduct a thorough site assessment before installation. This should include evaluating potential shading issues throughout the year and considering the use of microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
In conclusion, while Fairfield experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, its location still offers a viable opportunity for solar energy production, especially during the spring and summer months. With proper planning and installation techniques, residents can effectively harness solar power to meet a substantial portion of their energy needs.
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 Fairfield, Virginia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.8778, Longitude: -79.2979 (Fairfield, 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 33° South in Fairfield, Virginia, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fairfield, Virginia, United States (Lat/Long 37.8778, -79.2979) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, Virginia, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 53° South in Winter | 31° 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, Virginia, 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 Fairfield, Virginia, United States
The area around Fairfield, Virginia, located at 37.8778°N and 79.2979°W, is characterized by diverse and picturesque topography typical of the Shenandoah Valley region. This part of Virginia sits at the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, resulting in a landscape that combines rolling hills, gentle valleys, and more dramatic mountain slopes.
The immediate vicinity of Fairfield features undulating terrain with elevations ranging from about 1,000 to 1,500 feet above sea level. As you move west from Fairfield, the land becomes more rugged and mountainous, with nearby peaks reaching heights of over 3,000 feet. To the east, the terrain gradually becomes less hilly and transitions into the gentler Piedmont region.
The area is crisscrossed by numerous streams and small rivers, which have carved shallow valleys through the landscape over millions of years. These waterways contribute to the region's lush, green appearance and support diverse ecosystems.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. Ideal locations for solar farms typically include:
- Relatively flat or gently sloping land to minimize installation costs and maximize sun exposure
- Open areas with minimal shading from trees or other obstacles
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for easier grid connection
- Areas that are not prime agricultural land or ecologically sensitive
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Fairfield would likely be found in the broader valleys and less mountainous regions to the east and southeast of the town. These areas tend to have more expansive, open spaces with gentler slopes that could accommodate solar panel arrays more easily.
Specific locations might include former agricultural fields or pastures that are no longer in active use, or areas adjacent to existing industrial or commercial developments where land may already be partially cleared and have nearby access to electrical infrastructure.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would require detailed site-specific assessments, including environmental impact studies, zoning considerations, and community input. The beautiful and historically significant nature of the Shenandoah Valley region means that careful planning would be necessary to balance renewable energy development with preservation of the area's natural and cultural heritage.
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 20th of July 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.
