Solar PV Analysis of West Edmeston, United States
West Edmeston, New York, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a mixed landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's potential for solar PV production varies significantly across seasons, presenting both opportunities and challenges for those considering solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the prime season for solar energy production in West Edmeston, with an impressive output of 5.92 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.16 kWh/day. These warmer months provide ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy collection.
However, the colder seasons present a stark contrast. Autumn sees a significant drop in production to 3.00 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.78 kWh/day. This substantial seasonal variation highlights the importance of careful system sizing to ensure adequate year-round energy supply.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in West Edmeston, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 37-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, balancing energy capture across all seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While West Edmeston's location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce panel efficiency
- Occasional cloudy weather, particularly in autumn and winter, may impact daily production
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to promote snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including snow removal when necessary, can help maintain optimal performance year-round.
In conclusion, while West Edmeston experiences significant seasonal variations in solar potential, with proper planning and installation techniques, it remains a viable location for solar PV systems. The strong performance during spring and summer can help offset the reduced output in autumn and winter, making solar a worthwhile investment for those looking to harness renewable energy in this area.
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 West Edmeston
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 42.7868, Longitude: -75.3149 (West Edmeston, 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 West Edmeston, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in West Edmeston, United States (Lat/Long 42.7868, -75.3149) 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 West Edmeston, 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 West Edmeston, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° 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 West Edmeston, 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 West Edmeston, 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 West Edmeston, United States
The area around West Edmeston, located in central New York State, is characterized by gently rolling hills and shallow valleys typical of the Appalachian Plateau region. The landscape is a mix of farmland, woodlands, and small streams, creating a picturesque rural setting.
The topography in this area is generally moderate, with elevations ranging from about 1,000 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The terrain is not particularly steep or mountainous, but rather consists of undulating hills interspersed with flat or gently sloping areas. This type of landscape was shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago, resulting in a mix of glacial till soils and some exposed bedrock.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found on the flatter, open spaces that are currently used for agriculture or are otherwise cleared of trees. Ideal locations would have a slight south-facing slope to maximize sun exposure throughout the day. Some of the more level farmland to the south and east of West Edmeston could potentially be well-suited for solar development.
However, it's important to note that the region experiences significant cloud cover and receives less direct sunlight compared to more southern parts of the United States. This factor, combined with the relatively hilly terrain, may present some challenges for large-scale solar projects. Developers would need to carefully assess specific sites to find the best balance of topography, sun exposure, and proximity to existing power infrastructure.
Additionally, any solar development in this area would need to consider potential impacts on local agriculture, as much of the suitable land is currently used for farming. Environmental factors, such as wildlife habitats and watershed protection, would also need to be taken into account when selecting sites for large-scale solar PV installations in this region.
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 24th of September 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.
