Average Daily Solar Radiation

This map shows the general trends in the amount of solar radiation received in the United States and its territories. It is a spatial interpolation of solar radiation values derived from the 1961-1990 National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB). The dots on the map represent the 239 sites of the NSRDB.

Maps of average values are produced by averaging all 30 years of data for each site. Maps of maximum and minimum values are composites of specific months and years for which each site achieved its maximum or minimum amounts of solar radiation. Though useful for identifying general trends, this map should be used with caution for site-specific resource evaluations because variations in solar radiation not reflected in the maps can exist, introducing uncertainty into resource estimates.

Maps are not drawn to scale.

Map showing Average Daily Solar Radiation in the United States and territories

Collector Orientation - Flat-plate collector facing south at fixed tilt equal to the latitude of the site: Capturing the maximum amount of solar radiation throughout the year can be achieved using a tilt angle approximately equal to the site's latitude.


Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory Resource Assessment Program

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