Solar PV Analysis of Lebanon, Maine, United States
Lebanon, Maine, in the United States is a decent location for generating power through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. However, its effectiveness varies throughout the seasons.
In simple terms, a kilowatt (kW) is a measure of power and kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures how much energy you're using over time. So when we say 5.79 kWh/day per kW of installed solar in summer, it means that for every kW capacity of your solar panel system you can expect to generate 5.79 kWh of energy per day in summer.
During Summer and Spring where sunlight is more abundant with averages of about 5.79kWh/day and 5.37kWh/day respectively per kW installed solar capacity, Lebanon's location proves to be very productive for harnessing solar power.
However during Autumn and Winter when days are shorter with less sunlight available, output drops significantly to about 3.30kWh/day and even lower at around just under 2 kWh/day respectively.
To maximize total yearly production from these PV panels they should ideally be tilted at an angle facing South by approximately 38 degrees; this will ensure optimal exposure to sun rays across all seasons.
There could however be certain local factors that might affect the efficiency of these panels such as snowfall or heavy rain which are common weather conditions in Maine especially during winter months; these could potentially block sun rays from reaching the PV cells thereby reducing their productivity.
Preventative measures that can help mitigate against some environmental factors include installing the panels with mechanisms allowing them to tilt or rotate so they can always face towards maximum sunlight despite changing weather conditions or times of day throughout different seasons; also ensuring regular maintenance checks are carried out on these systems including clearing any accumulated snow or debris off them after storms will help maintain their efficiency year-round.
Another point worth noting is considering local tree coverage which might cast shadows on the panels, reducing their effectiveness. If this is an issue, strategic trimming or removal of trees could be considered.
In conclusion, while Lebanon Maine's location isn't perfect for year-round solar power production due to its seasonal variations in sunlight availability and potential weather conditions, it can still be a very viable option especially during Spring and Summer months with proper installation and maintenance measures in place.
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 Lebanon, Maine
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.4621, Longitude: -70.9149 (Lebanon, Maine, 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 38° South in Lebanon, Maine, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lebanon, Maine, United States (Lat/Long 43.4621, -70.9149) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Lebanon, Maine, 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 Lebanon, Maine, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° 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 | 48° South in Autumn | 58° 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 Lebanon, Maine, 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 Lebanon, Maine, 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 Lebanon, Maine, United States
The coordinates provided point to Lebanon, Maine in the United States. This area is mostly characterized by a hilly terrain with large areas of forest and agricultural land. It also features several streams and rivers cutting through the landscape.
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, flat or gently sloping lands are typically ideal. Areas that have been cleared for agriculture could potentially be suitable if they're not currently in use for crops or livestock. The southern-facing slopes on some of the hills might also be good locations since they receive more sunlight throughout the day.
However, it's important to note that suitability for solar PV doesn't just depend on topography but also factors like local climate (amount of sun), proximity to power grids for energy transmission, potential environmental impacts, and local laws or regulations regarding land use and renewable energy installations.
As such, while there may be potential sites around Lebanon based on its physical geography alone, a comprehensive feasibility study would need to be conducted to identify specific locations best suited for large-scale solar PV installations.
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: Wednesday 29th of May 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
