Solar PV Analysis of Valley Stream, United States
Valley Stream, New York, in the United States, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which significantly impact the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Valley Stream peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 6.15 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.69 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.69 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.20 kWh/day per kW installed.
The most favorable period for solar energy generation in Valley Stream spans from late spring through early fall. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Valley Stream, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 35 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental Considerations
While Valley Stream's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could impact system performance:
- Snow accumulation in winter months can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Cloudy or overcast days, particularly common in late fall and winter, may decrease daily output
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a slightly steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and use high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal and panel cleaning, can help maintain optimal performance year-round.
Overall, while Valley Stream may not be ideal for solar energy production compared to sunnier regions, it still offers a viable opportunity for renewable energy generation, especially during the warmer months of 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 Valley Stream
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.6537, Longitude: -73.7151 (Valley Stream, 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 35° South in Valley Stream, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Valley Stream, United States (Lat/Long 40.6537, -73.7151) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Valley Stream, 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 Valley Stream, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 33° 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 Valley Stream, 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 Valley Stream, 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 Valley Stream, United States
Valley Stream, located in Nassau County, New York, is situated on the southwestern edge of Long Island. The topography of the area is generally characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain, typical of the coastal plain that makes up much of Long Island's landscape.
The region around Valley Stream is predominantly low-lying, with elevations ranging from near sea level to about 40-50 feet above sea level. The area is part of what's known as the Hempstead Plains, a relatively flat expanse that extends across central Nassau County. To the north and east of Valley Stream, the land gradually rises, forming subtle hills and ridges that are remnants of glacial deposits from the last ice age.
The southern part of Valley Stream and its surrounding areas are particularly low-lying, as they approach the coastal marshlands and bays that separate Long Island from the barrier islands to the south. This area is characterized by numerous small streams and wetlands, which give Valley Stream its name.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found to the north and east of Valley Stream, where there is more open space and slightly higher elevations. The flat terrain of the Hempstead Plains, particularly in less densely populated areas, could potentially accommodate solar farms. Areas around the edges of existing industrial zones or on former agricultural lands might also be considered.
However, it's important to note that Long Island is heavily developed, and finding large tracts of undeveloped land for solar installations can be challenging. Any potential sites would need to be carefully evaluated for their environmental impact, proximity to the electrical grid, and compatibility with local zoning regulations. Additionally, the relatively high population density of the region means that community acceptance would be a crucial factor in siting any large-scale solar projects.
Some specific areas that might be worth investigating for solar PV potential include the less developed portions of Hempstead Plains to the east, open spaces near major transportation corridors like the Southern State Parkway, and possibly some areas adjacent to existing power infrastructure. However, detailed site-specific studies would be necessary to determine the true viability of any particular location for large-scale 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: Tuesday 23rd 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
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