Solar PV Analysis of Union, United States
In simple terms, the location in Union, Maine is moderately good for producing energy using solar panels throughout the year. The amount of electricity that can be generated from each kilowatt of installed solar varies with the seasons. In summer and spring, you can expect to generate quite a bit of electricity (5.79 and 5.41 kilowatt-hours per day respectively). However, in autumn and winter, the output drops significantly (to 3.19 and 2.01 kilowatt-hours per day).
So if you're considering installing solar panels at this location, it's worth noting that they'll produce more power in spring and summer when days are longer and sunlight is stronger.
To get the most out of your solar installation year-round at this location, it's recommended to tilt your panels at an angle of 39 degrees towards south. This will help maximize their exposure to sunlight over the course of a year.
As for factors that might affect how much energy your panels can produce - weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or cloud cover could reduce their efficiency by blocking sunlight. To mitigate these issues, make sure your panels are installed where they won't be shaded by trees or buildings for most part of the day.
Also consider using a system to automatically clear snow off your panels or manually clean them after heavy storms during winter months to maintain their performance.
Other environmental considerations might include local wildlife - birds may nest under or droppings on top which could reduce efficiency so consider installing bird deterrents if necessary.
Lastly remember that while there will be variations in production due to seasonal changes; overall having solar PV system is still beneficial both environmentally and economically over long term despite some challenges related to 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 Union
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 44.2606, Longitude: -69.2717 (Union, 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 39° South in Union, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Union, United States (Lat/Long 44.2606, -69.2717) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Union, 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 Union, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28° South in Summer | 48° South in Autumn | 59° South in Winter | 37° 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 Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, United States
The coordinates provided point to Union, a town located in Knox County, Maine, United States. The topography of this region is characterized by gently rolling hills with an abundance of forested areas and several bodies of water, including various ponds and streams.
When considering the suitability for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors need to be taken into account:
1. Sunlight: Maine gets less sunlight compared to states in the Southwestern U.S., but it still receives enough sun for solar power generation.
2. Land Availability: Large-scale solar PV requires vast tracts of land that are relatively flat and free from obstructions such as trees or buildings which could block sunlight. In Union's case, clearing forested areas would be necessary which can have environmental implications.
3. Proximity to Infrastructure: It's also important that these sites are near existing electrical grid infrastructure for easy connection and transmission of generated electricity.
4. Environmental Impact & Regulations: Any potential site must undergo environmental impact assessments before construction can begin to ensure minimal disruption to local ecosystems. Furthermore, there may be local/state regulations regarding land use that could affect where a solar farm can be built.
Considering these factors, potential suitable locations might include cleared agricultural lands or other open spaces nearby the town center or along major roads where there is easier access to infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact. However without a detailed survey it's hard to specify exact locations.
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 18th of May 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.
