Solar PV Analysis of Pasadena, Maryland, United States
Pasadena, Maryland, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (39.1244, -76.495) contribute to varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Pasadena experiences significant fluctuations across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.43 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 5.64 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, yielding 3.77 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.26 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in this region. Longer days and higher sun angles during summer contribute to peak performance, while shorter days and lower sun angles in winter result in reduced output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Pasadena, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 34 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Pasadena's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact system performance:
- Snow accumulation in winter may temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Occasional severe weather events, such as hurricanes or heavy storms, could pose risks to solar installations
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Install panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off
- Use durable mounting systems designed to withstand high winds
- Regularly clean panels to remove debris and maintain optimal performance
- Implement a monitoring system to quickly identify and address any issues
By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in Pasadena can achieve more consistent and reliable performance 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 Pasadena, Maryland
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.1244, Longitude: -76.495 (Pasadena, Maryland, 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 Pasadena, Maryland, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pasadena, Maryland, United States (Lat/Long 39.1244, -76.495) 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 Pasadena, Maryland, 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 Pasadena, Maryland, 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 Pasadena, Maryland, 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 Pasadena, Maryland, 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 Pasadena, Maryland, United States
The topography around Pasadena, Maryland (located at 39.1244°N, 76.495°W) is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Chesapeake Bay region. This area is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which features low-lying land with subtle elevation changes. The landscape is a mix of suburban development, small woodlands, and open spaces, with numerous creeks and inlets from the nearby Chesapeake Bay.
The terrain in Pasadena and its surrounding areas is relatively flat, with elevations generally ranging from sea level to about 100 feet above sea level. This gentle topography is punctuated by shallow valleys formed by streams and small rivers that flow towards the Chesapeake Bay. The coastline near Pasadena is characterized by irregular shapes, with many peninsulas and coves creating a complex shoreline.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The ideal locations for solar farms in this region would be:
- Open, flat areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings
- Land that is not prone to flooding or erosion
- Areas that are not designated as protected wetlands or critical habitats
- Locations with easy access to existing power infrastructure
Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Pasadena would likely be found in the following locations:
- Former agricultural lands that are no longer in use
- Large, open fields in less developed areas to the west and southwest of Pasadena
- Brownfield sites or former industrial areas that have been cleared and are available for redevelopment
- Large, flat rooftops of commercial or industrial buildings in the region
It's important to note that while the topography around Pasadena is generally favorable for solar installations, the region's climate, which includes significant precipitation and occasional severe weather events, may present challenges for large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, local zoning regulations and land-use policies would need to be carefully considered when identifying specific sites for solar development.
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 17th of August 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.
