Solar PV Analysis of Walworth, United States
Walworth, New York, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. With coordinates at 43.1404° N latitude and -77.2871° longitude, this location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy potential.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panel efficiency in Walworth peaks during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 5.99 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.23 kWh/day. However, the colder seasons see a substantial drop in production, with autumn yielding 2.99 kWh/day and winter plummeting to a mere 1.62 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the warm and cold seasons, emphasizing the importance of maximizing solar collection during the more productive months. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angles in summer and spring make these seasons ideal for solar energy generation in Walworth.
Optimal Panel Placement
To achieve the best year-round performance, fixed solar panels in Walworth should be tilted at a 37-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths, balancing energy production across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Walworth's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
- Cloudy days, particularly common in autumn and winter, may impact production
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal, is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during winter months.
In conclusion, while Walworth experiences excellent solar potential during summer and spring, the significant drop in winter and autumn production means that careful planning and system sizing are necessary to meet year-round energy needs. Despite these challenges, with proper installation and maintenance, solar energy remains a viable and sustainable option for this New York location.
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 Walworth
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.1404, Longitude: -77.2871 (Walworth, 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 37° South in Walworth, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Walworth, United States (Lat/Long 43.1404, -77.2871) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Walworth, 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 Walworth, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 57° South in Winter | 36° 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 Walworth, 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 Walworth, 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 Walworth, United States
The topography around Walworth, United States (located at 43.1404°N, 77.2871°W) is generally characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the broader region known as the Finger Lakes, which was shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago.
The landscape in and around Walworth features a mix of agricultural fields, small woodlands, and scattered residential areas. The elevation changes are typically gradual, with no dramatic peaks or valleys. This gentle terrain is a result of the glacial deposits left behind as the ice sheets retreated, creating a series of low hills and shallow depressions.
To the north of Walworth, the land gradually slopes towards Lake Ontario, while to the south, the terrain becomes slightly more varied as it approaches the Finger Lakes themselves. The area is dotted with numerous small streams and creeks, which have carved subtle valleys into the landscape over time.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Walworth, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would likely be:
- Open agricultural land: The numerous farms and fields in the region provide large, flat areas ideal for solar panel installation. These spaces often have minimal shading and good sun exposure throughout the day.
- South-facing slopes: While the hills in the area are generally gentle, any south-facing slopes would be particularly well-suited for solar panels, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the year.
- Former industrial or commercial sites: Any abandoned or underutilized industrial areas in the vicinity could be repurposed for solar farms, making efficient use of already-developed land.
- Areas near existing electrical infrastructure: Locations close to power lines or substations would be advantageous for easier grid connection and reduced transmission costs.
It's important to note that while the topography in this area is generally favorable for solar PV installations, other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and community acceptance would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects.
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: Sunday 25th 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.
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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.
