PV Power Map
PV Generation Potential
The PV Power Map is a report of national solar resource availability as illustrated by the monthly energy output of a nominal 1-kilo-
watt (k W) photovoltaic (PV) system by location.
Comparing monthly maps makes it possible to see
how irradiance and associated PV system power
output vary over time from region to region, often
with unexpected results.
For example, compare January and February
solar resource availability on the eastern seaboard
with the Gulf Coast. During this time, the total
power output of a 1-k W system in New York City
and New Orleans was virtually identical, at approximately 195 kilowatt-hours (90 + 105 k Wh) and 200
k Wh (115 + 85 kWh) respectively. When viewed
over time, solar resource availability in northern
states often exceeds expectations.
Looking at the February map in the Maine region,
the northern Rockies and the northern Great Plains,
a limitation common to all satellite-derived solar
irradiance data sources is evident. Persistent snow
cover in these regions was in some cases misinterpreted as cloud cover, leading to an underestima-tion of irradiance. An updated model that integrates
infrared data to better estimate atmospheric conditions will reduce these effects. Currently being used
for select customers and regions, the new SolarAnywhere model will provide accurate, low-cost data
even in high-albedo situations for all users as it’s
rolled out broadly.
The PV Power Map can be used by anyone to
quickly gauge the generation potential of a new
PV system, or benchmark the performance of an
installed system, in a given location. Go to solar
today.org/pvpowermap to reference maps
throughout the year, or access free historical irradiance data at solaranywhere.com.
The PV Power Map is created with power output estimates generated by SolarAnywhere services from Clean Power Research, which include
simulation capabilities and hourly satellite-derived
irradiance data with spatial resolutions from 1 to
10 kilometers. The calculations are based on a PV
system with a total 1-k W nameplate rating that
is configured as: five 200-watt PV panels with a
1.5-k W inverter; fixed, south-facing panels with 30
degree tilt; no shading; panel PVUSA Test Conditions rating of 178 watts; and inverter efficiency of
95.5 percent. Visualization and mapping provided
by GeoModel Solar. S T
